Ilford Man Jailed for Brutal Assault on Girlfriend
Vicentiu Luca Calin, 29, of Northbrook Road, Ilford, was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court on November 5, 2021. He pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent, actual bodily harm, and assault by beating.
Horrific Abuse Spanning Months
The horrific abuse surfaced after police attended a hospital in Ilford on January 1st, where a friend alerted officers that Calin had kidnapped and severely assaulted the victim, then 26. The woman revealed that she and Calin stayed in a hotel during October 2020, where his violent behaviour escalated over three months.
- Calin repeatedly attacked her from October to December 2020.
- Between Christmas Day and December 27th, the assaults caused a brain bleed and permanent facial scarring.
- He controlled and threatened her nonstop—banning contact with family and threatening to kill her.
- He burned her face and body with lit cigarettes and beat her with furniture inside the hotel room.
Calin admitted he burned her face because she “spent too long looking in the mirror” and believed she was “pretty.” The injuries left lasting scars and numbness that affect her ability to speak, eat, and drink.
Escape and Arrest
On December 27th, the survivor begged Calin to let her see friends to avoid raising alarm. She escaped by taxi to another hotel and later went to hospital for treatment. Calin was arrested on January 3rd. Police found his vehicle smeared with blood.
Police Praise Survivor’s Courage
Detective Sergeant Janet Glover said: “This was a complex investigation carried out diligently by Detective Constable Campion, who worked tirelessly to support the victim through to court.”
Detective Constable Amy Campion added: “The survivor showed tremendous courage, from reporting the abuse to giving evidence in court. Thanks to her bravery, this dangerous offender has now been brought to justice.”
The Metropolitan Police reiterated their commitment to fighting domestic abuse and protecting women and girls, promising to relentlessly pursue offenders.
