Rapist who attacked unconscious victim for more than an hour is sentenced to life in prison

A sex offender who raped an unconscious woman has been sentenced to life in prison.

Aurel Birlan, 44, of Watts Street in Chatham, Kent, repeatedly attacked his victim for almost two hours and only stopped when he was challenged by a passer-by.

Birlan carried out the attacks in the early hours of December last year when he was interrupted by a stranger who had seen him and his victim in a public place.

The man noticed that she was unclothed, not moving and appeared to be injured. He questioned Birlan about the incident, then called 999 and waited with the perpetrator and victim until the police arrived.

Birlan was arrested at the scene and a police investigation revealed video footage that showed the victim’s repeated pleas to stop and also showed her being unconscious for more than an hour during the attacks.

Birlan subjected his victim to a long and truly harrowing ordeal, only stopping when a passer-by bravely intervened

DS Kendal Moore

He was charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

Birlan pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to life imprisonment on Tuesday. He was given a minimum sentence of eight years and three months before parole could be considered.

He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and given a restraining order banning him from contact with the victim.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Kendal Moore of Kent Police, said: “Birlan subjected his victim to a long and truly harrowing ordeal and only stopped when a passer-by bravely intervened.”

“Today’s sentence will hopefully help the victim to lead a normal life, knowing that this dangerous man is now behind bars. She has shown tremendous dignity and bravery throughout this investigation and I commend her for that.

“I would also like to thank the member of the public who challenged Birlan. His courageous intervention was absolutely crucial in ensuring that Birlan was promptly arrested and that the victim was also protected from further harm.”