Constantin Tulba

On Sunday, 4 June 2023, at approximately 1:15am, a sexual assault occurred on Ipswich Road in Stowmarket, Suffolk. The victim, a woman in her early 20s, was walking alone from Stowmarket town centre towards Combs Ford when she noticed a man approaching closely behind her. The assailant, later identified as Constantin Tulba, aged 34 and residing on Edgecomb Road in Stowmarket, grabbed hold of her and carried out a sexual assault.

The victim resisted the attack and managed to escape when an approaching car disturbed the perpetrator. The driver of the car assisted the victim by transporting her to a nearby police vehicle on patrol. Suffolk Police officers immediately initiated enquiries into the incident. The following day, on 5 June 2023, Tulba was arrested at his home. During the search of his property, police discovered clothing that matched the description provided by the victim of what the assailant was wearing during the assault. Forensic evidence further linked Tulba directly to the crime scene.

Tulba was charged with sexual assault and appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on 5 July 2023, where he entered a guilty plea. The sentencing hearing took place on Monday, 21 August 2023. The court imposed a custodial sentence of 30 months' imprisonment on Tulba for the offence. This case was investigated by Suffolk Police, with Detective Sergeant Naomi Harger leading the effort.

Detective Sergeant Naomi Harger commented on the case, stating: "This would have been an extremely concerning and frightening assault for the victim and I praise her for the courage and strength she has shown. I am extremely pleased to see Tulba behind bars after being handed this sentence, and hope this reassures the local community. However, it will be of little comfort I am sure for the victim who showed immense courage in speaking to police about the terrible ordeal she experienced. No prison term will ever make up for the trauma she suffered." She also acknowledged the vital role played by public witnesses who provided CCTV and dash cam footage, which helped secure the conviction.

The assault was described in court and police statements as a 'terrible' early-hours attack, highlighting the vulnerability of the victim walking alone at night. Suffolk Police emphasised their commitment to thoroughly investigating all sexual offences and supporting victims through partner agencies.