Bridgwater predator jailed for dragging woman off street to attack her
Chilling attack caught on CCTV
Alin-Vasile Iercosan, 27, from Bath Road, Bridgwater, followed a 25-year-old woman as she walked home in the early hours of Saturday 28 January. He then dragged her into a parking area off Friarn Street and carried out a terrifying assault.
Justice served at Taunton Crown Court
Today, Friday 21 April, Iercosan was locked up at Taunton Crown Court. He faces an extended licence period and a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The overwhelming evidence, including CCTV footage, led to an early guilty plea.
Victim’s powerful plea to the court
“I am here today to try and regain some control after you stole it all from me. I’m begging that today will bring me a tiny amount of closure.
“You will only get so many years in prison but… no amount of time you get today will ever justify what you did to me.”
Police praised the victim’s bravery
DI Hadley Rides, leading Operation Soteria Bluestone—a specialist unit tackling rape and serious sexual assault—said:
“The CCTV we obtained chillingly shows Iercosan’s predatory behaviour. He waited on Bridgwater’s streets, deliberately followed, and attacked a lone woman.
Iercosan admitted his crime early due to the overwhelming evidence. The quick work of detectives and local policing teams identified him fast. However, this man wouldn’t be off our streets if it wasn’t for the victim’s strength and determination.
She faced him in court today and showed she is much stronger than a man who fled the country after the attack to evade justice.”
Support in focus
While stranger attacks like this remain rare, most sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim. An Independent Sexual Violence Advisor supported the woman throughout the investigation and court proceedings. She continues to receive counselling and ongoing help to aid her recovery.
