Rapist jailed after luring woman to his home

The victim agreed to follow Pirvu to his nearby home while she waited for a friend

A rapist who beat and strangled a woman in Rochester has been jailed.

Teodor-Alin Pirvu, 37, subjected his victim to a prolonged ordeal after luring to her to his home last year.

Pirvu initially spoke to the woman on 10 April 2023, while she was was waiting to meet a friend they both knew.

He was sentenced to 19-and-a-half-years' imprisonment on Tuesday following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

On the date of the attack, it was raining heavily, and the victim agreed to follow Pirvu to his nearby home in Rochester High Street while she waited for the friend to arrive.

Inside, Pirvu's demeanour changed and after making several demands for sex he repeatedly punched and kicked the victim, police said.

He wrapped a scarf around her neck and pulled it tight to strangle her.

Pirvu also threatened to kill her if she left, holding knives to her throat.

The victim managed to escape after they left the address together on 11 April.

Kent Police attended her home and found her with visible injuries, including bruises and swelling to her face and head.

She was also suffering from hearing loss.

The victim told officers she had bitten her attacker on the cheek and when Pirvu was arrested, on 13 April, this injury was clearly visible.

A search of his home led to the recovery of the scarf and knives he used.

He was charged with multiple offences but denied wrongdoing.

A jury found him guilty of rape, sexual assault, threats to kill, intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.