Florin Griu guilty of Weston-super-Mare attempted rape

Florin Griu has been found guilty of attempting to rape a woman in Weston-super-Mare town centre

The victim of an attempted rape and sexual assault has said she wakes up at night "crying having dreamed about it".

She was attacked by Florin Griu, 29, from Weston-super-Mare, in the town centre on 21 April 2023, but he fled after she cried out.

Griu was tracked down using vital CCTV and was found guilty of the charges at Bristol Crown Court on 4 April.

His victim said: "I never want to be near him again. I hope he is punished for what he has done to me."

She added: "I see his face everywhere I go and look at men, thinking it is him. I try to black out thinking about this man and what he did to me that night."

'See his face'

Griu, of Orchard Street, was captured on CCTV leaving his home address, committing the offence and returning home.

He was identified and arrested on 25 April, and charged the following day.

In a statement, the victim said: "I would describe myself as a bubbly person and like to think that I get on with most people.

"After this incident, I became totally withdrawn. I felt embarrassed that this had happened to me.

"If it happened to me right in front of a camera, it could happen to anyone else."

'Horrific offence'

After receiving the report, detectives began investigating the case and worked with colleagues at North Somerset Council to carry out extensive CCTV searches.

Speaking after the verdict, Det Insp Claire Millington said: "This is a horrific offence against a vulnerable victim, who I cannot praise enough for having the strength and courage to come forward.

"Florin Griu chose to target the victim, saw an opportunity to meet his own depraved needs and showed no care or concern for the impact his actions would have.

"Griu has continually denied responsibility for his actions and it is the tireless work of the investigating officer, Det Con Venetia Kelly, and the support and bravery shown by the victim which has resulted in [the] conviction.

"CCTV played a vital role in this investigation and allowed us to track Griu's movements, identify him and bring him before the courts."

Griu has been remanded into custody and will appear for sentencing on 31 May.