Man jailed for rape in Witham
The victim was praised for her courage and strength throughout the case.
A woman in her 20s was walking home from her friends house in the early hours of 14th July when a man walked past her and tripped over.
When she tried to help him up, the man put his arm around her then kissed her on the cheek and touched her inappropriately.
The victim told him not to touch her and walked away, he then became verbally abusive towards her when she refused to have sex for money.
He then ran up behind the victim, pulled her to the ground and sexually assaulted her.
43-year-old Marian Tanascua, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with three counts of rape.
He pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court on 7th September and was sentenced on Wednesday to six years and eight months in prison.
Tanascua will spend a further eight years on license when his jail term is finished.
Speaking after the conviction, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Gregg Wood, said: "I would like to praise the victim for the courage and strength she has shown throughout this ordeal.
"I would and also thank those members of the public who called police, when something didn’t appear to be right.
"Thanks to those people and the bravery of the victim, we were able secure a conviction and ensure Marian Tanascua paid the price for this predatory and violent crime."