Rapist who strangled woman at knife-point in Rochester jailed
Police say Teodor-Alin Pirvu subjected the victim to a 'prolonged and terrifying ordeal'
Last updated 27th Mar 2024
A violent rapist who beat and strangled a woman in Rochester has been sentenced to almost 15 years in prison.
Teodor-Alin Pirvu subjected the victim to a prolonged and terrifying ordeal, after luring her to his home last year.
Pirvu initially engaged with the woman on 10 April 2023, as she was waiting to meet a friend they both knew. It was raining heavily, and she agreed to follow Pirvu to his nearby home in Rochester High Street while she waited for the friend to arrive.
Once inside, Pirvu’s demeanour instantly changed and after making several demands for sex he punched and kicked the victim repeatedly. He also wrapped a scarf around her neck and pulled it tight to strangle her. Pirvu prevented the woman from leaving, warning he would kill her. He held knives to her throat and abused her.
The victim managed to escape after they left the address together, on 11 April. When police attended her home, she was found with visible injuries including bruises, and swelling to her face and head. She was also suffering from hearing loss.
Officers learned the victim had bitten her attacker on the cheek and when Pirvu was arrested, on 13 April, this injury was clearly visible. A search of his home led to the recovery of the scarf and knives he used.
Pirvu, 37, was charged with multiple offences but denied any wrongdoing. Following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court, he was found guilty of counts of rape, sexual assault, threats to kill, intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
On Tuesday 26 March 2024, Pirvu was sentenced to 14-and-a-half year’s imprisonment. He was described by the judge as ‘dangerous’ and must serve at least two thirds of the sentence before he can apply for parole. When he is eventually released from prison, Pirvu will be the subject of an extended licence period of five years.
Leading the investigation was Detective Constable Devon Larnder-King, who said: "Pirvu sought to humiliate, degrade and dehumanise his victim during a brutal ordeal which left her in fear for her life and with lifelong mental scars.
"He is a dangerous and predatory offender who has not shown an ounce of remorse for his actions, refusing to take any responsibility, and subjecting the victim to endure a trial and further anguish.
"Thankfully Pirvu is now behind bars and will have to serve a significant sentence before he has any hope of parole. I only hope this sentence can provide an element of closure and reassurance to the victim, who has shown tremendous bravery and courage in helping us ensure justice has been served.
"We continue to urge anyone who may have been the victim of sexual offences, no matter when they happened, to report it to the police. You will be supported by specially trained officers throughout the process, and we always treat any information with the utmost confidence and sensitivity."