A SEX attacker who forced himself on a woman as they walked home from a night out has been jailed for more than seven years.

Laurentiu Popa, 22, met the victim who is in her 40s as they walked along Crouch Street, Colchester, after both had been out separately in the town centre.

After initially chatting, the woman tried to get away from Popa.

He then sexually assaulted her close to Essex County Hospital in Lexden Road and stole her bag containing cash and perfume.

Judge John Devaux sentenced Popa, of Oaks Drive, Colchester, to seven years and four months in jail.

During the hearing at Ipswich Crown Court he said: "It is clear however your contact with the complainant started, a time came when she wanted nothing more to do with you.

"The complainant was obviously very drunk, off balance and stumbling.

"This offence is aggravated because you stole from the complainant."

Police released CCTV footage of Popa and a friend he had been partying with in the days after the incident in November last year.

His pal insisted they both go to the police station after seeing the images and Popa was then arrested.

When officers searched his home they found the stolen perfume bottle with the victim's DNA on it.

Popa was originally charged with rape and robbery, but admitted assault by penetration and theft before a trial was due to begin earlier this year.

Popa, a Romanian labourer, appeared at court via video link from HMP Norwich, where he had been remanded in custody, and had proceedings translated for him by an interpreter.

Judge Devaux found him not guilty of rape.

Popa will now be a registered sex offender for life.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Terry Balding, of Essex Police’s Public Protection Investigation Team, said: “Popa preyed on a woman walking alone following a night out for his own sexual gratification.

"He subjected her to a horrific ordeal and showed no regard for his actions, stealing items from her before fleeing the scene. 

“The victim has shown enormous amount bravery by helping throughout the entire investigation, despite her attacker showing no remorse for his actions. Popa certainly has plenty of time to think about those actions in his prison cell. 


“I would also like to thank everyone involved in this case – particularly Dc Jo Cooper and members of the Adult Sexual Abuse Investigation Team – along with members of the media and the public who helped share the CCTV appeal which led to Popa’s arrest. 


“Thank you for your continued support in helping to take people like Popa off our streets.”