Ilford Man Jailed for Savage Assault on Girlfriend
Vicentiu Luca Calin, 29, from Northbrook Road, Ilford, was slammed with an eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 5 November 2021.
Calin had earlier pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent, actual bodily harm, and assault by beating. A charge of false imprisonment remains on file.
Brutal Abuse Inside Hotel Room
The horrifying ordeal came to light when police were summoned to an Ilford hospital on 1 January after a woman’s friend alerted officers that the 26-year-old victim had been kidnapped and severely beaten by Calin.
The victim revealed that from October to December 2020, while staying in a hotel together, Calin’s violence escalated over their three-month relationship. He assaulted her repeatedly, culminating in a brutal attack between Christmas Day and 27 December that left her with a brain bleed and permanent facial scarring.
Horrific Torture Unfolds in Ilford
Calin’s cruelty wasn’t just physical. He controlled the woman ruthlessly, cutting off all contact with her family, blocking her from seeking help, and threatening to kill her. He burned her face and body with lit cigarettes and battered her with hotel furniture.
Shockingly, Calin admitted he set her face on fire because she spent “too long looking in the mirror” and thought she was “pretty.” The abuse has left the victim with lasting scars and numbness to her lips, affecting her ability to speak, eat and drink.
Escape Leads to Arrest
On 27 December, the survivor persuaded Calin to let her meet her friends to avoid raising alarm. She used the chance to flee by taxi to another hotel and later sought medical treatment with a friend at the hospital.
Calin was arrested on 3 January. Police found his vehicle covered in blood.
Detective Sergeant Janet Glover of the North East BCU Public Protection Unit praised the investigation. “This was a complex investigation carried out diligently by Detective Constable Amy Campion, who worked tirelessly with the victim to ensure she had the support needed to see this case through to court.”
Detective Constable Amy Campion added: “I pay tribute to the survivor for her incredible courage to come forward and testify. Her bravery helped bring this dangerous offender to justice. The Metropolitan Police remain committed to tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.”
