Violent Sex Offender Jailed After Brutal Attack Near Tonbridge Train Station
A brutal sex attacker has been locked up for over five years after following and assaulting a woman in Tonbridge. Alexandru Gritar stalked his victim for more than a mile before violently assaulting her, leaving her with serious head injuries.
Victim Followed, Beaten and Sexually Assaulted
The woman, in her 30s, was targeted on the evening of 22 September 2019. After leaving Tonbridge train station, Gritar trailed her to a spot near Shipbourne Road. There, he sexually assaulted her and repeatedly punched her.
Police rushed to the scene and took the victim to hospital with suspected concussion, strangulation marks, cuts, and abrasions.
CCTV and Forensics Crack the Case
- CCTV footage clearly showed Gritar close behind the victim.
- Police stopped a suspicious car the next day, leading to a breakthrough.
- Investigators tracked Gritar to an address in Hildenborough and arrested him.
- Matching clothing and DNA evidence from the victim’s clothes sealed his fate.
The 46-year-old, with no fixed address, admitted he was the man on the CCTV but bizarrely claimed he got lost after buying glue for his shoes. He was first bailed but re-arrested in Wales after trying to board a ferry to Ireland using false documents.
Gritar Sentenced to Over Five Years Behind Bars
Gritar pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to sexual assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possessing false identity documents. On 1 July 2020, he was sentenced to five years and two months in prison, with an extended licence period of five years. He must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before parole.
He is now on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Detective Constable Marcus Cameron said: “Gritar is a dangerous and predatory sex offender who subjected his victim to a truly terrifying ordeal. I’m grateful we gathered irrefutable evidence, leaving him with little choice but to plead guilty. The victim’s bravery has ensured justice is served. Hopefully this sentence brings her some comfort.”
