Locations
Park Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15
Description
A convicted rapist who subjected his victim to an "incredulous and cruel" 90 minute sex attack in some bushes in Camberley has been jailed.
Floris-Adrian Gherghelau, 25, of Park Road, Camberley was a stranger to his teenage victim, whom he had followed and then "grabbed" in a secluded area.
He was handed a sentence of up to 16 years imprisonment by Miss Recorder June Venters QC at Guildford Crown Court on Friday (March 8), being described as a "dangerous sexual deviant".
A jury found Gherghelau guilty of five charges - including two counts of rape and one of attempted rape - on January 14.
The court heard how the victim, 18, had taken an overdose following the attack, described as "terrifying" by Recorder Venters.
A victim impact statement read out in court said: "I didn't feel I was getting the support and became so low.
"I then took an overdose of painkillers as a way to show that I didn't care for my life at that time and needed more support. Following this I was referred to a psychologist."
Prosecutor Ryan Richter said that Gherghelau's victim could now not sleep without "taking a knife to bed" and "doesn't know if she will ever recover from the events".
Surrey Police said in a statement that Gherghelau admitted the attack during a police interview, but later denied the charges in court.
Recorder Venters said: "Your offence was both incredulous and cruel. As if this young woman had not been through enough, you continued to humiliate her before a jury by suggesting she was a willing participant."
While giving evidence, the 25-year-old reportedly claimed that he had kissed his victim, who kissed him back before both walked into the bushes together to have sex.
Both defence counsel Lyall Thompson and Recorder Venters agreed that Gherghelau showed "no remorse" for his actions, showing only sorrow for his own situation.
However, Mr Thompson did pay reference in mitigation to the fact this was his client's first conviction, suggesting: "Could this be a one-off moment of madness?"
The barrister also noted that Gherghelau was of "low intelligence".
The 25-year-old's victim even offered to pay him to let her go.
"She panicked and struggled, trying everything possible to break away from your grip of her, but which was to no avail," added Recorder Venters.
"She was I have no doubt terrified. She had no idea who you were or what you intended on doing to her.
"What happened next could only have been an absolutely terrifying, painful, humiliating experience which will live with her for the rest of her life."
Gherghelau was handed a 14 year jail term, extended to 16 years with two on licence.
The court heard how the 25-year-old, who is a Romanian national, is "almost certain" to be deported from the UK upon his release from prison.
He has also been placed on the sex offenders register for life.
The Surrey Police investigation
Surrey Police has described the investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of Gherghelau for these offences.
Following the attack, his victim sought help at a nearby petrol station - staff contacted police and a full description of the offender was given.
The attacker's DNA was found on the victim, meaning that a successful match would positively identify.
Local knowledge, coupled with the description of the offender, led officers to a local address where elimination samples were taken from all the male occupants.
Gherghelau proved a positive DNA match and was subsequently arrested.
Speaking outside Guildford Crown Court after the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Adam Ramiz commented on the "bravery" of the victim.
He said: "The victim in relation to this matter demonstrated extreme bravery in relation to the incident itself - reporting it to police and then supporting the police throughout the investigation.
"She has suffered extreme trauma in the matter, but thankfully she is being well supported now.
"I really welcome the extended sentence today and I agree with the judge. I believe that Gherghelau is a very serious and dangerous offender."