A Chatham sex offender Aurel Birlan who repeatedly raped a woman while she was unconscious has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Aurel Birlan subjected his victim to an over two-hour torture, which concluded only when he was confronted by a bystander.
The incidents occurred in Medway during the early hours of a December morning.
Yesterday, Maidstone Crown Court was informed that Aurel Birlan, residing on Watts Street, Chatham, was interrupted by an individual who had come upon him and the victim in a public setting.
The passerby observed that she was unclothed, immobile, and seemed to be wounded.
He interrogated the 44-year-old guy regarding the incident before dialling 999 and remaining with both the perpetrator and victim until the police came.
Aurel Birlan was apprehended at the location, and an inquiry was initiated.
Authorities subsequently retrieved CCTV footage revealing the victim’s repeated entreaties for cessation and indicating that she was unconscious for nearly an hour during the assaults.
Aurel Birlan faced two charges of rape and three charges of sexual assault.
He entered a guilty plea at Maidstone Crown Court and received a life sentence.
The judge mandated that he serve a minimum of eight years and three months prior to being eligible for parole consideration.
He was permanently placed on the sex offenders register and subjected to a restraining order, forbidding him from contacting the victim.
Detective Sergeant Kendal Moore, the investigating officer, stated: “Aurel Birlan subjected his victim to an extended and genuinely distressing ordeal, ceasing only when a courageous bystander intervened.”
“The sentence issued today aims to facilitate the victim’s return to a normal life, providing reassurance that this perilous individual is now incarcerated.”
“She has exhibited remarkable dignity and courage throughout this investigation, and I wish to commend her for that.”
He expressed gratitude to the member of the public who confronted Aurel Birlan. His valiant intervention was essential in securing Aurel Birlan’s swift arrest and safeguarding the victim from additional damage.
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