A woman who was raped after befriending a man online has described the impact his actions have had on her life and continue to have.
Mihai Marian was jailed for a total of eight years after being found guilty of sexual offences and assault on two victims.
Picture: Leicestershire Police
In October last year it was reported how a meeting online led to a woman being sexually assaulted and raped in her home.
Marian visited the victim in Leicester and plied her with alcohol before taking advantage for his own gratification.
The victim believes she may have been given more than alcohol and she wasn’t coherent. He also filmed the victim and threatened to share the footage online.
Marian was identified following the report and interviewed, he denied the offences and claimed it was consensual.
At a trial last month, he was found guilty of rape and sexual assault.
He was also found guilty of assault after he burnt a second victim with cigarettes. Marian had met the victim online and this offence was committed in Staffordshire in September last year.
Speaking after his conviction the victim said: “My whole life has been turned upside down – his actions have not impacted me but my family too. I can’t even go out without constantly being on guard and the smallest things can remind me of what happened.
“I can never relax and am on medication to help me, but it’s really, really hard.
“I thought the conviction would be enough to help me move on and move past what had happened and I know there’s no quick fix, but I now know I’ve still got a long way to go to get over what he’s done to me.”
On Friday (20 June) 43-year-old Marian of no fixed address, was sentenced to eight years at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
He was also given a restraining order relating to both victims.
Detective Constable Charlotte Canham from the force’s Signal unit was the investigating officer. She said: “During Marian’s interviews he consistently denied any offences had occurred and claimed the sexual activity was consensual.
“We are pleased he has been found guilty of the offences and now faces a considerable time behind bars.
“The victims in the case have shown immense courage in coming forward and reporting what happened to them. This was in no way easy for them.
“The investigation revealed that Marian was also using other names and had multiple phone numbers. We strongly believe that there may be other victims of his crimes, and we hope this outcome reassures them and gives them the courage to come forward.
“Anyone who believes they have been a victim of Marian’s crimes is encouraged to contact the police. We have specialist officers who can help you through the process and put you in touch with support agencies.”
