PAVEL OCNEANU SENTENCED IN HANLEY FOR RAPE IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Stoke-on-Trent community, Pavel Ocneanu, a resident of Hanley, has been handed a seven-year prison sentence after being found guilty of a heinous sexual assault. The incident took place in May 2018 and involved a woman who was vulnerable due to intoxication and circumstances that left her separated from her friends during a night out in Hanley.

According to court proceedings, Ocneanu, who was living on Ogden Road at the time, targeted the woman shortly after she had returned home via taxi. He then picked her up in his vehicle and drove away from the area, taking advantage of her impaired state. The court heard that inside Ocneanu’s car, he forcibly subjected her to sexual assault, an act that left the victim traumatized and desperate to seek justice.

The woman managed to escape from the vehicle and immediately contacted the police to report the attack. Her quick action led to the swift arrest of Ocneanu in Shelton, a nearby area. The case was brought before Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court last month, where a trial confirmed his guilt. As part of his sentencing, Ocneanu will not only serve time in prison but will also be registered on the Sex Offenders Register for life, reflecting the severity of his crime.

During the court proceedings, Investigative Officer Janine Shropshire commended the victim for her bravery and resilience in coming forward. She emphasized that her confidence in law enforcement played a crucial role in ensuring that justice was served. The case underscores the importance of community vigilance and the ongoing efforts of police to protect vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior in the Stoke-on-Trent area.