Opportunist rapist jailed for 10 years for raping woman in Lambeth as she walks from work

BY JAMES TWOMEY
james@slpmedia.co.uk

A “vile and opportunistic predator” has been jailed for raping an 18 year old woman as she left work.

Serban Scinteianu, 31, a Romanian national of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to three counts of rape and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.

The victim had left work at around 4.30am on June 2 was walking along Somerleyton Road when she was followed by Scinteianu into a residential building.

As she made her way her way to the stairs she was attacked by Scinteianu and raped three times.

Scinteianu ignored her repeated pleas to stop and she was only able to escape when she convinced him to let her leave to get a drink.

Officers found Scinteianu asleep on a mattress around the back of the building and arrested him.
CCTV was recovered clearly identifying Scinteianu as being responsible.

Detective constable Esther Pugh, said: “This was a horrifying attack by Scinteianu on this young woman.
“I would like to comment on how brave she has been throughout this investigation.

“Her swift initial actions in going to the police lead to Scinteianu being apprehended at the scene and valuable evidence being seized which was fundamental in securing a conviction against him.”

Acting detective inspector David Adams said: “Scinteianu is a vile and opportunistic predator who carried out a sickening sustained attack.

“The victim was courageous in making her escape and going straight to police, who quickly arrested Scinteianu.

“I would like to thank the victim who has displayed immeasurable bravery in supporting our investigation, and my investigating team, who have worked hard to put this man behind bars.”