A man who raped and sexually assaulted a vulnerable woman in Kettering town centre has been jailed for six years and nine months, in a case that police say demonstrates the power of rapid CCTV response and the continued focus on tackling violence against women.
Florin Bogatu, 36, of Trafalgar Road, Kettering, was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court after pleading guilty to oral rape, attempted rape, and assault by penetration following the attack, which took place on 7 October 2024 in a car park off Commercial Road.
CCTV Operators Alert Police During Live Assault
The harrowing attack was spotted live by CCTV operators, who immediately alerted Northamptonshire Police. Officers arrived swiftly and found Bogatu standing over his distressed victim. He was arrested at the scene and later charged with multiple sexual offences.
The victim, a woman unknown to Bogatu, had been approached and followed by him before he lured her to the car park. There, he committed a series of brutal sexual assaults, including oral rape, all of which were captured on surveillance footage.
Court Sentencing
Faced with overwhelming CCTV evidence, Bogatu pleaded guilty to:
- Oral rape – sentenced to 6 years and 9 months
- Attempted rape – 6 years
- Assault by penetration – 4 years and 6 months
The sentences will be served concurrently. Bogatu has also been:
- Placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life
- Barred from working with children or vulnerable adults
Police Praise Survivor’s Strength
Detective Constable Victoria Thomas, from SOLAR, Northamptonshire Police’s specialist rape investigation unit, led the inquiry and praised the survivor’s bravery.
“The survivor has shown huge courage in reporting her ordeal and seeing the case through to court,” DC Thomas said.
“Every step of the way, she has been determined to support our investigation.”
She described Bogatu as having “deliberately and opportunistically targeted” the woman, exploiting her vulnerability in a calculated and predatory attack.
“Our force is committed to tackling and preventing violence against women and girls. This case highlights how vital CCTV and public vigilance are in helping us respond rapidly and bring offenders to justice.”
A Community-Wide Warning and a Call for Vigilance
The conviction sends a clear message about the importance of community vigilance, fast police response, and the courage of survivors in confronting sexual violence.
Anyone affected by sexual assault or seeking support can contact Northamptonshire Rape Crisis or call Victim Support on 0808 168 9111.
