Dangerous rapist left victim for dead in Wellingborough

A dangerous brute who once spent time in prison for murdering his partner has been found guilty of raping a woman in Wellingborough and trying to kill her.

Sergiu Boianjiu, previously of Melton Road in the town, followed his victim from from a local nightclub before committing the horrific crimes.

The 39-year-old had previously spent 10 years in prison in his native Moldova for murdering his girlfriend and disposing of her body in a well.

Detective Chief Inspector Liz Wilcox, from Northamptonshire Police, said: “Sergiu Boianjiu is an incredibly dangerous man who presents a real risk to the women in our communities.”

Northampton Crown Court heard that Boianjiu followed his victim in the early hours of February 6 before attacking her in Great Park Street.

During the attack Boianjiu beat her unconscious and dragged her into an alleyway where he raped her. He then stamped on her at least 11 times and, after trying unsuccessfully to put her in a wheelie bin, he left her for dead where she was later found by a member of the public.

The woman was taken to hospital in a critical condition with severe head injuries and a dangerously low body temperature.

Thankfully she has since gone on to be discharged from hospital and return home where she continues with her recovery.

Boianjiu was identified as a suspect from CCTV evidence, tracing his movements back to a local nightclub. Earlier that evening, Boianjiu had been thrown out of the club after groping women and pestering them for sex. He remained outside the premises for more than an hour, continuing to pester young women. As the victim left the club at closing time Boianjiu lay in wait for her and, once she was alone, attacked her.

Following the attack, Northamptonshire Police launched an intensive investigation leading to apprehension of Boianjiu who subsequently, following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, was charged with attempted murder and two counts of rape.

He was arrested travelling in a friend’s car with his belongings and clothing, some of which were still damp from having been through a washing machine.

At Northampton Crown Court on Friday (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.

Det Ch Insp Wilcox, said: “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 Crown Prosecution Service 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.”