Rapist who attacked lost woman was found by cops within an hour in Catford thanks to brave victim

A rapist has been convicted for preying on a woman who was lost after being dropped by a taxi at the wrong destination.

Danut Bulboana, 21, of no fixed abode, was at Woolwich Crown Court, on Monday, 3 August found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of attempting to choke.

The court heard that on 27 August 2019 at approximately 11.30pm, the victim – a woman in her late 20s – was targeted by Bulboana and subjected to a serious sexual assault in a wooded area near Catford Bridge Railway Station.

The victim had been making her way home after a night out with a friend but became lost after she was dropped at the wrong destination by a taxi. The victim recalled suddenly finding herself in an unfamiliar wooded area with an unknown male – later identified as Bulboana.

The sexual attack then took place. She tried to scream but Bulboana stifled her cries by forcing something into her mouth, choking her.

The woman eventually managed to get away from Bulboana and call 999.

Police attended and spoke to the victim who then assisted the officers in trying to locate where the offence took place. In doing so, they were able to trace Bulboana’s location and, despite altering his appearance by changing his clothing, the woman was able to provide a positive identification and Bulboana was arrested.

Officers from the Met’s South East Safeguarding Team launched an immediate investigation and were able to charge Bulboana on 25 October 2019, after forensic examinations linked him to the crime.

Detective Constable Dean Young, who led the investigation, said:“This was a brutal and extremely sinister attack in which Bulboana preyed on the vulnerability of a lone woman at night. I would like to commend the sheer bravery displayed by the victim who quickly called police after being subjected to a truly horrific ordeal. Her actions resulted in a dangerous man being detained by officers within an hour of the attack, and subsequently being brought to justice.

“Bulboana is now in custody awaiting sentence for his abhorrent crimes. Sexual offences often inflict lasting trauma on victims, but I hope that Bulboana’s conviction will help the victim’s recovery process.

“This case demonstrates our commitment to removing sexual predators from the streets of London and ensuring they are brought to justice. If you are a victim of sexual crime, please tell us – you will be supported and the crime fully investigated.”

He will be sentenced on Tuesday, 8 September at Woolwich Crown Court.