CLAUDIU RIZEA SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ASSAULT ON LONDON TUBE PASSENGER

A man named Claudiu Rizea has been handed a prison sentence exceeding eight years after committing a heinous sexual assault on an 18-year-old woman aboard the London Underground.

Rizea, who is 39 years old, carried out his disturbing attack on September 8 of the previous year, following a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that spanned across several key locations within the city. The incident began outside Euston station, where Rizea approached the young woman and initially engaged her by offering a cigarette, an act often used to gain trust or lure victims.

From there, he continued to pursue her through the busy London Underground network, following her to Westminster and Baker Street stations. During this pursuit, Rizea attempted to physically assault her by trying to hug and kiss her, and he also exposed himself, actions that caused significant distress and fear. Despite her efforts to escape his grasp, Rizea forcibly dragged her from the station premises, escalating the situation into a sexual assault.

The victim, in a desperate bid for safety, managed to lock herself inside a station toilet cubicle. Her bravery and quick thinking ultimately led to her rescue when station staff, noticing her distress, intervened and called the police.

Following the investigation conducted by the British Transport Police, Rizea was arrested and subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of exposure and sexual assault. His guilty plea was accepted in court, leading to his sentencing at Kingston Crown Court. In addition to the prison term, Rizea was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228 and was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, a measure designed to monitor and prevent future offenses.

An officer involved in the case described the attack as