Man jailed for ‘hideous and sustained’ sexual attack on 18-year-old

A 39-year-old man has been jailed for more than eight years after he repeatedly sexually assaulted a woman as she tried to make her way home.

Claudiu Rizea, of Stanley Road, Harrow, pleaded guilty to exposure and sexual assault.  

He was jailed for eight years and three months, placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228, at Kingston Crown Court on Friday.

The court heard how, in the early hours of September 8, 2023, Rizea approached an 18-year-old woman outside Euston station and offered her a cigarette. 

He then followed the woman to Westminster before approaching her again and attempting to hug and kiss her before exposing himself to her when she reached Baker Street Underground station.

She moved away only for Rizea to drag her out of the station and sexually assault her, the British Transport Police said.

The victim managed to escape and make her way back into the station but Rizea approached her and grabbed her arms and hair and tried to drag her away.

The court heard that the woman locked herself in a cubicle at the station toilets. When Rizea attempted to enter the toilets he was prevented by a member of rail staff.

As the woman made her way back to the platform she saw Rizea walking towards her and alerted station staff who called police and arrested Rizea.

Investigating officer DC Gemma Lee said: “This was a terrifying and sustained attack on a young woman who has been left deeply traumatized by the incident.

“Despite her repeated attempts to flee, Rizea remained undeterred and determined to carry out his hideous and sustained sexual attack and subject her to further distress by following her across the city.

“Rizea is a dangerous sexual predator, who, thanks to the bravery of this young woman, is now behind bars where he belongs.”

Pictured top: Claudiu Rizea (Picture: British Transport Police)