Man found guilty of attempted rape in Weston-super-Mare
Florin Griu from the town was found guilty by a jury at Bristol Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 4 April)
A man's been found guilty over an attempted serious sexual assault in Weston-Super-Mare town centre.
29-year-old Florin Griu from the town was found guilty yesterday of attempting to rape a woman and sexual assault by a jury at Bristol Crown Court following an incident back on the 21st of April, 2023.
The jury heard how Griu approached the victim and attempted to rape her before the victim cried out, causing him to flee the scene.
'I never want to be near him again'
In a personal statement, the victim said: "I would describe myself as a bubbly person and like to think that I get on with most people. After this incident, I became totally withdrawn. I felt embarrassed that this had happened to me.
"I see his face everywhere I go and look at men, thinking it is him. I wake up in the night crying having dreamed about it. I try to black out thinking about this man and what he did to me that night. I never want to be near him again.
"I hope he is punished for what he has done to me. If it happened to me right in front of a camera, it could happen to anyone else."
After receiving the report, police and North Somerset Council worked together to track his whereabouts - and he was identified and arrested on 25 April and charged the following day.
'A horrific offence against a vulnerable victim'
Speaking after the verdict, 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 responsibility for his actions and it is the tireless work of the investigating officer, DC Venetia Kelly, and the support and bravery shown by the victim which has resulted in today's conviction.
"CCTV played a vital role in this investigation and allowed us to track Griu's movements, identify him and bring him before the courts and I would like to thank our colleagues at North Somerset Council and businesses in the community for their support throughout this investigation."
Griu has been remanded into custody and will appear at Bristol Crown Court for sentencing on Friday 31 May.
Avon and Somerset Police have a dedicated team which investigates rape and serious sexual offence cases.
They say they are committed to supporting victims and investigating offences against them - 'no matter how long ago they took place' - under Operation Bluestone.
If you are a victim of rape or sexual assault, you are urged to come forward. It is never too late to report offences to police.
Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent, can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year. Visit their website at www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or call 0117 342 6999.
You can also visit www.thisisnotanexcuse.org for details of charities and organisations who are experts in supporting victims.