Alexandru Muresan

Alexandru Muresan, a 32-year-old Romanian national residing in Bournemouth, was convicted at Bournemouth Crown Court of sexual assault and attempted rape after targeting a vulnerable woman in the early hours of 29 January 2023.

The incident occurred around 3.30am in Lansdowne, Bournemouth, when the 26-year-old victim was walking home alone after falling out with a friend. Having walked for approximately 45 minutes, she was tired, cold, and fed up. Muresan approached her in his car, posing as a helpful good Samaritan, and offered her a lift, which she accepted despite it being out of character for her.

Upon arriving outside her home, Muresan sexually assaulted the woman and attempted to rape her. The victim repeatedly begged him to stop while crying, stating she was terrified and feared for her life. She described the ordeal in a victim impact statement read to the court, explaining that she had to live with family and friends for three months out of fear and eventually moved house because she felt so unsafe. She added that she now lives in constant fear that Muresan will return and is unable to get into taxis or cars with strangers.

Muresan denied the charges, claiming the woman made unsolicited sexual advances towards him, which he rejected. However, a jury found him unanimously guilty of both sexual assault and attempted rape. Prosecutor Emily Lanham described Muresan as an 'opportunistic predator' who exploited the woman's vulnerability.

Muresan, who has been in the UK since 2016 with indefinite leave to remain, has no previous convictions in England but has prior suspended sentences in Romania for dishonesty offences including theft and burglary. In mitigation, his barrister Richard Tutt highlighted that Muresan had no convictions for the past nine years and provided character references portraying him as a 'respectful, friendly, kind, caring, trustworthy man'.

Judge Susan Evans KC remarked during sentencing: 'At 3.30am you were in your vehicle and saw her and noticed just how vulnerable she was. You played the part of a good Samaritan to offer her a lift. She should have been safe but regrettably she was not.' Muresan was sentenced to eight years in prison, placed on the sex offenders register for life, and issued with a restraining order against the victim until further notice.

The case was reported by the Dorset Echo, with details from Bournemouth Crown Court proceedings.