Man jailed for attempted serious sexual assault in Weston-super-Mare

Police say 30-year-old Florin Griu continuously denied it was him in the CCTV footage - but the evidence against him was 'overwhelming'

Florin Griu
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 10th Jun 2024

A man has been jailed for a decade after being found guilty of the attempted serious sexual assault of a woman in Weston-Super-Mare.

Police say 30-year-old Florin Griu continuously denied the attempted rape was him in the CCTV footage - but the evidence against him was 'overwhelming'.

Florin Griu, of Orchard Street, Weston-super-Mare, was found guilty by a jury at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 4 April of attempted rape and sexual assault.

He was sentenced at the same court on Friday 31 May to 10 years in prison for the offences, which happened on 21 April last year.

After his release, he will then spend an addition three years on extended licence.

The jury heard how Griu approached the victim and attempted to rape her before the victim cried out, causing him to flee the scene.

After receiving the report, detectives began investigating the case and worked with colleagues at North Somerset Council to carry out extensive CCTV searches. As a result they were able to track Griu’s movements as he left his home address, committed the offence and then returned home.

He was identified and arrested on 25 April and charged the following day.

Detective Inspector Claire Millington said: “This is a horrific offence against a vulnerable victim who I cannot praise enough for having the strength and courage to come forward.

“Florin Griu chose to target the victim, saw an opportunity to meet his own depraved needs and showed no care or concern for the impact his actions would have.

“Griu has continually denied it was him in the CCTV footage, but the evidence against him was overwhelming.”

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