SHEERNESS MAN JAILED FOR RAPE AND BLACKMAIL AFTER FILMING VICTIM
A man from Sheerness, Vasile Raducanu, has been sentenced to 12-and-a-half years in prison for serious sexual offenses, including rape and attempted rape.The Maidstone Crown Court heard he had plied a woman with alcohol before raping her, with the victim having no memory of the assault until a recording sent to her by Raducanu's partner Indre Bruziene revealed what had happened.
The judge described the impact on the victim as "very serious distress" and noted her feelings of devastation and shame.
Raducanu was also found guilty of filming the assault and using the footage for blackmail, demanding £5,000 or sharing the clip with her family.
Despite denying the charges, he was convicted by a jury earlier this year.
His partner, Bruziene, aged 40, was convicted of blackmail after she sent two photographs to the victim, adding to her humiliation, although she did not participate in the sexual violence.
Both offenders, residing on Alma Road, Sheerness, received prison sentences; Raducanu's for 12-and-a-half years, with a requirement to serve two-thirds before release, and Bruziene's for three years and three months.
The judge criticized Raducanu for showing no remorse and termed Bruziene's behavior "callous and cynical," emphasizing the gravity of the victim's trauma which involved being so intoxicated that she was helpless.
Raducanu continues to deny all offenses, while Bruziene expressed remorse and was visibly distressed at her sentencing.
