FLORIN BOGATU'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN KETTERING TOWN CENTRE

A man named Florin Bogatu, aged 36, has been found guilty of committing a serious sexual assault against a vulnerable woman in the heart of Kettering. The disturbing incident took place on the evening of October 7 last year, and it was captured in detail by CCTV footage, which played a crucial role in the investigation. According to reports, the footage shows Bogatu approaching and attacking the woman in a car park located off Commercial Road, an area well-known in the town for its busy commercial activity.

Authorities responded swiftly after CCTV operators alerted them to the incident. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Bogatu standing over the visibly distressed victim. His immediate arrest was made on suspicion of rape, marking a significant step in the case. The investigation uncovered that Bogatu had approached the woman, whom he did not know, and followed her as she moved through the town. The situation escalated when he lured her into the car park, where he attempted to carry out an oral rape. The assault continued further, with Bogatu sexually assaulting her in other ways.

During the court proceedings, Bogatu admitted to three serious charges: attempted rape, rape, and assault by penetration. His guilty plea was a testament to the evidence against him, including the CCTV footage and witness statements. The court sentenced him to a total of six years and nine months for the oral rape, six years for the attempted rape, and four and a half years for the assault by penetration. These sentences are to be served concurrently, meaning he will serve the longest term of six years and nine months.

In addition to his prison sentence, Bogatu has been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes. He is also legally barred from working with children or vulnerable adults, reflecting the protective measures put in place to prevent further harm.

Detective Constable Victoria Thomas of SOLAR praised the victim’s bravery and resilience throughout the ordeal. She emphasized the police force’s unwavering commitment to combating violence against women and girls, including sexual violence, and assured the public that such cases are taken very seriously. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to ensure safety and justice in Kettering and beyond.