A vile sex attacker has been locked up for three years after a “terrifying” assault on a 17-year-old girl in a Launceston alleyway.
Attack Near Launceston College
Yordan Stanchev, 26, a Bulgarian with no fixed address, pleaded guilty to sexual assault at Truro Crown Court on 2 April. The horrifying attack happened around 9.15pm on Sunday 25 January near Launceston College. The teenager was walking alone when she spotted Stanchev following her. He suddenly sprinted, shoved her against a metal fence, and sexually assaulted her. Despite being terrified, she fought back and managed to scratch his face. Disturbed, possibly by a dog walker nearby, Stanchev fled, allowing the girl to escape and raise the alarm.
Quick Police Action Leads to Arrest
Police swiftly connected Stanchev to the crime after he contacted officers, claiming he was assaulted outside Lidl. When officers found him, his facial injury matched the victim’s account, and phone data placed him at the scene. He was arrested within hours and later identified by the victim.
Judge Condemns Attacker; Victim Praised for Bravery
Judge Simon Carr called the assault “every woman’s worst nightmare.” He said Stanchev targeted the girl at random, carrying out a “sustained and terrifying” attack. The judge added Stanchev held misogynist views and took revenge based on a false belief about his wife’s infidelity. He praised the victim’s “exceptional bravery” for likely stopping a worse crime.
Police Praise Victim and Witnesses
Police Staff Investigator Jo Wilson said: “This was an utterly terrifying attack for the victim, but thankfully stranger attacks like this are rare in Devon and Cornwall. We thank the victim for her bravery and quick police call, which helped officers catch Stanchev shortly after the attack. “Her actions, and possibly the nearby dog walker, prevented further offences. Everyone should be able to walk safely without fear. We take sexual assault reports seriously and work hard to keep communities safe. Stanchev was arrested within hours.” Wilson also thanked the dog walker and other witnesses for their support during the investigation.
Stanchev will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and faces likely deportation after serving his sentence. A restraining order is in place to protect the victim.
