MAN RAPED A WOMAN IN HER HOME WITH TWO CHILDREN IN THE NEXT ROOM AND RETURNED SIX WEEKS LATER TO ATTEMPT TO RAPE HER AGAIN
Petrus-Ionut Apostoae, aged 25 and residing on Gorsey Lane in Orford, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on a Friday to face multiple charges including two counts of rape, burglary, three counts of attempted burglary, and an attempt to trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence.Prosecutor Louise McCloskey outlined that the incident occurred after a party hosted at the victim’s home on October 2 of the previous year, which was attended by family and friends and concluded around 6 pm.
The victim was caring for her child and another child, putting them to bed between 8 and 9 pm.
Uncertain if her friend was returning, she stayed awake watching TV and chatting on social media, then went to sleep around 2 am.
Ms McCloskey described the attack as a nightmare, stating: “The next thing she remembers is the stuff of nightmares.
She suddenly awoke to hands over her face.
“At first, confused, she thought it might be her friend had returned and was messing about so pushed back before quickly realising that an unknown male was in her bedroom with his hands over her mouth and nose.
She pushed his hands away but he pushed harder and she was struggling to breathe.” The accused removed his hands from her face but continued covering her mouth.
As she struggled and fell to the floor, Apostoae lifted her onto the bed.
Fearing the children might wake, she lay terrified on the bed until he noticed she was no longer resisting, at which point he removed his hand and proceeded to rape her.
Afterwards, he covered her head with a quilt, tucking it in and stroking her through the fabric.
The victim said she endured this to prevent waking the children in the adjacent room, and he asked her not to call the police or inquire about her well-being.
She waited until she heard the front door close, then contacted authorities.
Medical examinations shortly after revealed abrasions on her knees and an STI, for which she received antibiotics.
Following the assault, she installed CCTV and additional security measures at her home and temporarily stayed with family.
On November 12, about six weeks later, she was awoken at 5 am by an alert from her security system showing a man approaching her previous address.
Apostoae, seen walking through the garden and attempting to open the door without success, walked away.
She did not recognize him but was distressed seeing him try to re-enter, and shared the CCTV footage with police.
That same night, Apostoae attempted to break into several other homes nearby.
Police conducted DNA screening and investigations, leading to the collection of Apostoae’s sample on November 23.
A match was confirmed by December 5, resulting in his arrest and a search of his residence, where stolen art supplies and a hoodie from the victim’s address were recovered.
CCTV footage corroborated his involvement in the sexual assault and attempted burglaries.
In a victim impact statement, she expressed ongoing anxiety and distress, preventing her from returning home.
She also conveyed hope that victims of sexual violence will report abuse and receive adequate support.
Apostoae remained silent in interviews but pleaded guilty to all charges on January 3, 2023.
While he has no UK criminal record, he does have drug-related convictions from Romania.
Paul Wood, defending, stated Apostoae has a prolonged history of cocaine abuse and was under the influence during the offences.
He added that Apostoae regrets his actions, requests help and rehabilitation, and noted his lack of family support in the UK.
Judge Denis Watson KC sentenced him to 14 years and eight months imprisonment, with an extended eight-year license, totalling nearly 23 years.
The judge also issued a restraining order to prevent Apostoae from contacting or approaching the victim.
The court’s judgment highlighted the premeditated nature of the crimes, emphasising that the repeated attempts to re-enter the victim’s home suggested planning and targeting.
The sentence was based on the fact that the offender committed multiple offences in a relatively short span, including rape, burglary, and attempted further sexual assault.
