Locations
Mark Lane, Basingstoke, RG21
Description
A man has today (Monday 12 June) been jailed for attempting to rape a woman and assaulting another after a night out in Basingstoke.
Costache-Flaviuis Ruset, 30, has been sentenced to nine years in prison, with an extended licence period of six years, after pleading guilty to attempted rape, assault by penetration, attempted GBH and ABH at Winchester Crown Court at a previous hearing.
The court heard that at 4.31am on Saturday, 18 February, a CCTV operator, monitoring the town’s CCTV cameras, became aware of a suspicious incident involving a man and two women on Timberlake Road.
The CCTV operator immediately alerted police directly through the police radio link when he saw the man pull one of the women to the ground and start assaulting her.
The court was told that two women, both in their 20s, had been walking home from a night out in Basingstoke when one of the women went to look for an item they had dropped.
Whilst waiting for her friend on Timberlake Road, the other woman was approached by a man unknown to her. The man, Ruset, pushed the woman to the ground and then attempted to rape her.
The woman’s friend returned moments later which caused Ruset to get up.
Both women started to walk away when Ruset ran up behind them and kicked the friend on her back, causing her to fall to the ground. He then stamped on her head and punched her several times while she lay on the ground.
He then turned to the first woman and assaulted her, causing her to fall to the ground.
Upon hearing police sirens and seeing blue lights, Ruset ran off.
Police officers gave chase whilst the CCTV controller continued to follow Ruset on the CCTV cameras, giving the officers direct commentary as to Ruset’s locations and direction of travel.
The CCTV controller watched Ruset hide behind some commercial bins in Feathers Yard and informed officers.
Ruset was arrested at 4.36am and subsequently charged.
Ruset, of Marks Lane, Basingstoke admitted the charges when he appeared at Winchester Crown Court on 22 March.
Appearing at the same court today, he was jailed for nine years, with an extended licence period of six years, taking the total sentence to 15 years.
Detective Inspector Mike Higgins from the Northern Investigation Team said “This was a terrifying incident that has had a significant impact on both the women involved.
“I would like to praise them for the strength they have shown during this fast paced investigation. I hope that now Ruset is in prison this will go some way to helping them move forward and begin to rebuild their lives.
“I would also like to commend the CCTV controller for his quick response to the incident and calling us when he noticed something wasn’t right.
“His actions allowed us to stop Ruset and prevent the women coming to further harm.
“By following Ruset’s movements on CCTV and guiding officers on the ground he allowed us to locate Ruset within minutes from the moment he fled the scene.
“As a consequence, Ruset had no option but to plead guilty and I am pleased we have been able to bring him to justice so swiftly and avoid these women having to relive the ordeal in court.
“Ruset is a dangerous, predatory man and he will now spend a long time in prison for what he did.
“No-one should have to feel in fear of their safety when walking the streets, no-matter what time of day or night it is. Everyone should feel safe and protected within our communities and violence of any kind will not be tolerated.
“I hope this case sends a clear message to those who predators and those who commit sexual and violent offences, you will be pursued, we will catch you and you will be dealt with robustly.
“I also hope this sentence demonstrates our commitment, and partnership work, in tackling violence against women and girls and keep everyone safe.”
Rape and serious sexual offences are one of the most devastating crimes a person can survive and that’s why we prioritise it.
We are fully committed to focussing on perpetrators because rape is often a serial offence where offenders continue to commit crimes until they’re stopped.
The Operation Amberstone team is made up of specially trained officers who work incredibly hard to target perpetrators of rape, and provide specialist support to survivors who have been affected.
If you have been affected by sexual abuse, you can report this to police by calling 101. You will be treated in the strictest of confidence and we will provide you with the help and support you need.