Rapist jailed after violent attack on lone woman

Eugen Simion's victim "should have been able to walk home perfectly safely", police said

A rapist who attacked a lone woman while she was walking home from a night out in Cornwall has been jailed for 18 years.

Romanian national Eugen Simion, 21, of Pendarves in Camborne, was sentenced at Truro Crown Court after he was found guilty by a jury of rape.

The court heart how, at about 01:40 BST on 2 February, about 30 minutes after the attack, the victim got to Camborne Police Station in a distressed state with muddy clothing and no shoes.

Senior investigating officer Det Insp Rob Smith, from Devon and Cornwall Police's major crime investigation team, said: "This incident has had a profound impact on the victim, who should have been able to walk home perfectly safely."

'Violent sexual assault'

Police said the victim had been on a night out in Camborne town centre before trying to get a taxi, but, when this was unsuccessful, she started to make her way home on foot.

The force said the victim recalled being approached by an unknown male who tried to kiss her, but she pushed him away.

The victim told officers the next thing she could remember was being raped by the man in a dark field.

Simion was arrested on 6 February.

Mr Smith said: "Eugen Simion targeted her and subjected her to a violent sexual assault.

"She has demonstrated immense bravery and ensured we were able to bring Simion to justice."