PETRICA GHEORGHITA FROM FOLESHILL SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN COVENTRY

A man identified as Petrica Gheorghita, aged 35 and residing on Culworth Court in Foleshill, has been handed down a significant prison sentence of 13 years following his conviction for multiple serious sexual offenses committed in Coventry. The case was heard at Warwick Crown Court, where Gheorghita was found guilty of six counts of rape involving two women who were working as sex workers within Coventry’s well-known red-light district.

During the trial, it was revealed that Gheorghita’s crimes extended beyond the initial allegations. He subjected one of his victims to a prolonged sexual assault, which lasted over an extended period, causing considerable trauma and distress. Additionally, he physically assaulted a third woman after she refused his sexual advances, demonstrating a pattern of violent and predatory behavior.

Gheorghita maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, denying the sexual offenses and claiming that the women had consented to the encounters. However, the jury was convinced by the evidence presented and reached a unanimous verdict of guilt, dismissing his claims of consent.

The presiding judge, Sylvia de Bertodano, described Gheorghita as a dangerous individual, emphasizing the severity of his actions and the threat he poses to the community. In her sentencing remarks, she extended his supervision period by an additional eight years after his release from prison. Furthermore, Gheorghita was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the public.

Commenting on the case, Iain Willis, the district crown prosecutor for CPS West Midlands, expressed his condemnation of Gheorghita’s conduct. He stated, 'Petrica Gheorghita subjected his victims to a brutal and degrading sexual attack. None of the women chose to be violated by the defendant, and although he claimed the encounters were consensual, the jury saw through his lies and convicted him. I want to commend these women for their bravery and hope this case sends a strong message that justice will be pursued for all victims.'