Constantin Covaliu 24

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A sexual predator who targeted two women and a girl in violent, opportunistic attacks has been jailed for life.

Constantin Covaliu preyed on his victims, who were all previously unknown to him, over the space of four months last year in Nottingham and Mansfield.

After a determined and detailed investigation by Public Protection detectives and their uniformed colleagues, the 22-year-old has now been brought to justice and received a life sentence at Northampton Crown Court.

Covaliu, of Broxtowe Drive, Mansfield, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, one of attempted rape and one of sexual assault on the day his trial was due to begin.

Detective Sergeant Neil Allsop, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Covaliu is a predatory sex offender who targeted victims in their own home, while alone in the street and after luring them to a place of danger.

“He only pleaded guilty as his trial was due to begin - causing needless additional distress to his victims.

“He has rightly been handed a life sentence and I hope this gives his victims some closure after what has been a harrowing time for them and their families since the shocking events took place.”

Covaliu attacked his first victim, a 53-year-old woman, after he attended a house party in the building in which she lives.

He had entered her flat twice earlier in the evening and was told by the victim to get out.

On the third occasion, at around 2.30am on 24 July 2021, he again went into the flat and this time attempted to rape the victim.

She was eventually able to fight him off and called for help after locking herself in the property’s communal bathroom.

The second attack took place when a 17-year-old girl was lured to an address in Mansfield while on a night out on 31 October 2021.

He befriended the teenager, who was alone after her friend had gone home, and took her to the property.

After snatching the woman’s mobile phone from her, Covaliu raped the girl in an upstairs bedroom.

In the third attack, Covaliu grabbed a 21-year-old woman from behind as she walked home alone in Church Lane, Mansfield, on 20 November 2021.

He attempted to rape the woman but stopped and ran from the scene when she tried to get help from a passing taxi driver.

Det Sgt Allsop added after sentencing on 9 September: “Detectives in Nottinghamshire Police’s public protection teams work every day to investigate cases of rape and sexual abuse and it is thanks to their hard work and tenacity that people like Covaliu are held to account and their victims are offered the support they need.

“Had it not been for their very thorough investigation and attention to detail Covaliu may very well have evaded justice.

“So if you have been the victim of sexual assault we want to hear from you.

“If you make an allegation we will listen carefully to you, we will investigate and we do everything we can to get justice for you.”