NORTHAMPTON RAPIST VICTOR BRAGA SENTENCED TO 7.5 YEARS AFTER FLEEING TO MOLDOVA

Victor Braga, known as the Northampton Rapist, a 30-year-old male, has been convicted of the crime of rape after fleeing to Moldova, where a trial was held in his absence. On the evening of December 19, 2020, Victor Braga, formerly residing on Drydale Avenue in Northampton, carried out a sexual assault in a flat located in Semilong. During the assault, Braga restrained the victim to a bed and continued the sexual assault despite her repeated objections. Following the incident, the woman reported the assault to Northamptonshire Police, which initiated a thorough investigation involving multiple lines of inquiry. Braga was identified as the perpetrator, detained, and charged with one count of rape. On December 14, 2022, he appeared in Northampton Crown Court and pleaded not guilty. He was granted bail to await a trial scheduled for late 2023. While out on bail, Braga evaded authorities by fleeing the country and is currently believed to be in Moldova. A trial took place in his absence on Thursday, December 13, and concluded swiftly with the jury deliberating for only one hour before finding him guilty. On the same day, he was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison. Law enforcement officials are actively working to secure his return to the UK to serve his sentence. Detective Sergeant Andrea Taylor, the lead investigator, praised the victim for her bravery and resilience throughout the complex investigation. She expressed hope that the case's resolution would help provide the victim with closure, emphasizing Northamptonshire Police's commitment to combating violence against women and girls. The report notes that the victim has the legal right to lifelong anonymity. Support services and contact information for victims are provided at the end of the article, encouraging reporting and seeking help for those affected by sexual abuse or violence.