ROUGH SLEEPER ILIE CIUBOTARU JAILED FOR RAPING VULNERABLE MAN IN ESSEX
A rough sleeper has been jailed for the rape of a vulnerable man with severe learning difficulties.Ilie Ciubotaru, 30, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment at Basildon Crown Court today (Friday, August 17), after a jury returned unanimous verdicts following a five-day trial.
On Saturday, December 11, 2016, the victim, who lives in supported accommodation in Southend and cannot be named for legal reasons, was at his friend's flat watching TV.
Ciubotaru knocked at a man’s door at around 1am.
He walked in, took his clothes off and grabbed the victim’s arm and shoulder, injuring him.
Ciubotaru then raped the victim, knocking him to the floor and hitting his head.
The man managed to alert a neighbour and police officers arrested him at the scene.
The defendant answered and was arrested on suspicion of rape and placed in police custody.
When he arrived at the police station, he was still wearing the condom on his penis.
He also had an injury to his nose and scratches to his eye.
The defendant's bag was also searched and a PlayStation 3 and Nokia mobile phone belonging to the alleged victim were discovered.
The man says he did not give Ciubotaru the items.
Ciubotaru was also charged with attempted theft.
Investigating officer DC Adam Clarke, of Essex Police’s Crime and Public Protection Command, said: “We believe Ciubotaru was walking the streets looking for a room for the night when he took advantage of a vulnerable man within our community.
He is a dangerous individual who overpowered his victim in his own home and then raped him.
I would like to praise the victim for his courage and bravery throughout our investigation and subsequent trial.
I hope Ciubotaru’s lengthy custodial sentence offers some justice to him and his family.”
