Aurel Birlan

Aurel Birlan, a 44-year-old resident of Watts Street in Chatham, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for a brutal sexual attack on an unconscious woman in Medway. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of a morning in December 2021, involved repeated rapes and sexual assaults lasting nearly two hours, as detailed in court proceedings at Maidstone Crown Court.

The attack took place in a public location where Birlan subjected his victim to a prolonged ordeal. CCTV footage recovered by Kent Police captured the victim's repeated pleas for him to stop, highlighting the severity of the assault during which she remained unconscious for more than an hour. The assault was only halted when a courageous passer-by intervened after noticing the woman undressed, motionless, and appearing injured. The individual confronted Birlan, called 999, and remained at the scene until police arrived, leading to Birlan's immediate arrest.

Following a thorough investigation by Kent Police, Birlan was charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He pleaded guilty to all charges at Maidstone Crown Court. The judge imposed a life sentence, requiring Birlan to serve a minimum of eight years and three months before being eligible for parole consideration. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and subjected to a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim.

Detective Sergeant Kendal Moore, the investigating officer from Kent Police, described the attack as a 'prolonged and truly harrowing ordeal' and commended the victim's 'tremendous dignity and bravery' throughout the investigation. Moore also praised the passer-by's 'courageous intervention,' which was crucial in ensuring Birlan's swift arrest and preventing further harm to the victim. The sentencing, delivered on 14 June 2022, aims to provide some closure, allowing the victim to move forward knowing her attacker is incarcerated.