Lucy Caulkett-
A 39-year-old man who raped and then attempted to kill a young woman in Wellingborough earlier this year has been found guilty by a jury.
Sergiu Boianjiu, previously of Melton Road, Wellingborough, followed the woman in her 20s home from a nightclub in Park Road in the early hours of February 6 before attacking her in Great Park Street.
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At Northampton Crown Court today (August 26), he was found guilty of attempted murder, one count of rape and one count of attempted rape. He was found not guilty on a second count of rape. He will be sentenced at the same court on a date to be determined.
During the attack, Boianjiu raped her and carried out a sustained violent attack on her, in an attempt to kill her.
He disposed of her body, he left her for dead in an alleyway where she was subsequently found by a member of the public.
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The woman was taken to hospital in a critical condition with severe head injuries and a dangerously low body temperature.
Following the attack, Northamptonshire Police launched an intensive investigation leading to the identification, location and apprehension of Boianjiu who subsequently, following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, was charged with attempted murder and two counts of rape.
At Northampton Crown Court today, he was found guilty of attempted murder, one count of rape and one count of attempted rape. He was found not guilty on a second count of rape. He will be sentenced at the same court on a date to be determined.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Liz Wilcox, said: “Sergiu Boianjiu is an incredibly dangerous man who presents a real risk to the women in our communities.
“Getting justice for this young woman was hugely important to all of us and we are therefore very pleased, as a team, to see the jury come back with this decision today.
“This case will remain in many of the minds of those who worked on it long after today, not least that of the young woman subjected to this abhorrent crime who has shown incredible bravery. I hope she finds some comfort in today’s verdict.
“Finally, I hope the result today demonstrates the commitment of Northamptonshire Police in tackling violence against women and girls and ensuring the offenders are sent to prison.”
Liz Fell from the CPS said: “This was a horrific and sustained attack perpetrated by an incredibly dangerous individual. Sergiu Boianjiu was determined that he was going to get what he wanted and showed no sign of caring how he went about it.
“It is only down to incredible fortune that the victim survived. Getting justice for her has involved a close working relationship between the police and CPS as we considered every possible aspect of the events of that night to piece together a clear picture of what happened. We have left no stone unturned, and explored every possible legal avenue to ensure that this defendant faces the consequences of his cold, brutal actions.
“Keeping the victim informed was also of paramount importance to the CPS, and we worked closely with the police to ensure that her experience was a real focus throughout.
“There is no question that the evidence in this case has been a challenge, both in its traumatic content and legal complexity. It was extremely important for us as an investigation and prosecution team, to work together to bring this case to this conclusion both for the victim of the attack, the community, and the safety of the wider public as a whole. The CPS cares passionately about victims of crime and we are delighted that justice has been secured for the victim.”
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