Sex fiend jailed for raping woman walking home from bar in Finchley
Predator caught after horrific early morning attack
Mihai Roban, 47, who has no fixed address, was today handed a staggering seven years and eight months behind bars at Harrow Crown Court. The vile rapist will also be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Attack behind public toilets caught in the act
Roban admitted to the brutal rape, which happened just weeks after he arrived in the UK. The victim, 28, was making her way home from a bar along Regents Park Road at around 2.40am on 20 January when Roban grabbed her. He dragged her behind a public toilet and brutally attacked her despite her desperate pleas for him to stop.
Luckily, a member of the public heard her cries for help and raised the alarm. Officers rushed to the scene and caught Roban with the victim. He was arrested on the spot but refused to say a word about what happened during police interviews. Charged immediately with rape, he pleaded guilty weeks later, just before his trial.
Police expose predator’s chilling past
“Roban had only been in the country for a week when he carried out this attack,” said Detective Sergeant Michael Daly, Senior Investigating Officer. “Through cooperation with Romanian police, we found he has two previous rape convictions back home. Prison is the only place for him.”
“He denied the crime right up until the trial, causing more pain for the victim, who has shown incredible strength throughout this nightmare. I hope this sentence helps her begin to move on.”
“Big credit to the brave member of the public who reported the assault and to our investigation team for their relentless work supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice.”
