The identity of a man, Marian Canuci, who has been accused of committing sexual assault against a lady in a street in Essex has been disclosed. Marian Canuci is facing allegations of committing sexual assault on a lady by approaching her surreptitiously from behind in Purfleet last week.
Essex Police were informed of an incident where a woman was assaulted from behind in the vicinity of London Road, close to the riverside, at around 10.25 pm on Saturday, August 24th. The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate investigated and apprehended Marian Canuci on Friday, August 30th.
Marian Canuci, a 30-year-old resident of Saladin Drive in Purfleet, has been formally accused of committing assault by penetration and sexual assault. Marian Canuci will appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (September 2).
However, police are still appealing for witnesses of the incident to come forward. A spokesman said: “If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage concerning this incident, then please get in contact with us. Please quote the crime reference number 42/129942/24.
“You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our online reporting services.
“If you want to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.”
The effects of rape on women are profound and often long-lasting, affecting every dimension of their lives. Physically, survivors may suffer injuries and face the risk of sexually transmitted infections or unintended pregnancies. However, the emotional and psychological consequences are frequently even more severe. Many women experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can manifest as flashbacks, nightmares, and intense anxiety.
Feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame are common as survivors grapple with the violation of their autonomy and trust. This trauma can also lead to depression, withdrawal from social relationships, and difficulties with intimacy, further isolating the survivor. The fear and hypervigilance that often follow an assault can disrupt daily life, making it challenging to maintain routines, work, or engage in social activities.
The impact on self-esteem and identity can be devastating, with some survivors struggling to reclaim a sense of control and security. Despite these challenges, many women can find strength and resilience through support systems, therapy, and advocacy, gradually rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of such a traumatic experience.
UPDATE 231124
A SEX offender who attacked a woman while wearing a balaclava has been jailed after investigators traced blood left on the victim’s clothes back to him.
The victim was at the waterfront near London Road in Purfleet when she turned and saw a man, now known to be 31-year-old Marian Canuci, running towards her wearing a balaclava before grabbing her and assaulting her.
What he did not see was the victim calling emergency services on her phone before members of the public heard the incident and he fled the scene of the incident on August 24.
She, and multiple witnesses, provided police with accounts, including a detailed description of Canuci, and forensic investigators were able to trace blood left on the victim’s clothing back to him.
After six days of investigation Canuci, of Saladin Drive in Purfleet, was arrested and later charged with assault by penetration and sexual assault.
He admitted both charges on October 2, and returned to Basildon Crown Court last Wednesday where he was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison for the assault by penetration.
He was also sentenced to two years and 10 months in prion for sexual assault, running concurrently.
Speaking after sentencing, detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood praised the victim at the heart of this case: “This woman did something incredibly brave by speaking to officers. Her testimony and support for our investigation played a key role in securing justice and making sure a dangerous sexual predator is in prison.
“Canuci denied any involvement in this assault in interview. His lies were exposed when officers presented him with evidence and CCTV showing him and his clothing from the scene, but he still claimed he had no knowledge of the incident.
“Our officers put in a huge amount of work to make sure he was left with no choice but to plead guilty when stood in court.
“He is another offender that has learned that we will find those responsible for these crimes in Essex, and they will be put behind bars.”
Canuci has also been added to the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and was given a sexual harm prevention order lasting for 10 years.
He must pay a victim surcharge of £228, the court ordered.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.