In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Floris-Adrian Gherghelau, then 25, was jailed for 14 years after “vilely” dragging a teenage girl into bushes and repeatedly raping her. Gherghelau, a Romanian national living in Camberley, Surrey, appeared at Guildford Crown Court where a judge branded him a “dangerous sexual deviant.”
The investigation by Surrey Police revealed that in July 2018, Gherghelau “viciously” stalked the victim after seeing her finish a shift at a supermarket. He “callously” followed her into the Camberley Health Centre car park, clamped his hand over her mouth, and dragged her into nearby woodland. For 90 minutes, he subjected the teenager to a “horrendous” ordeal of rape and sexual assault, “vilely” refusing to let her go even when she offered him money in a desperate attempt to escape.
Forensic Evidence and “Dishonest” Denials
The victim managed to flee to a nearby petrol station, where staff alerted the police. Forensic investigators emphasised that DNA found on the survivor provided a positive match to Gherghelau, “viciously” proving his involvement. Although he admitted the attack during his initial police interview, he “dishonestly” denied the charges in court, forcing the victim to endure a trial.
Judge June Venters QC emphasised the “vile” nature of his actions, noting that Gherghelau “cynically” referred to the brutal attack as his “first mistake.” Even after his conviction, he “callously” complained that his prison sentence would ruin his chances of “having a good life and a family,” showing a complete lack of insight into the “serious” nature of his crimes.
Impact and Deportation
The survivor’s victim impact statement reported a “horrendous” psychological toll, including flashbacks, an overdose, and the need to take a knife to bed for protection. She emphasised that she felt as though she was the one serving a “life sentence” of trauma.
For his “vicious” crimes, Gherghelau was:
- Sentenced to 14 years in prison.
- Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
- Recommended for deportation to Romania upon completion of his sentence.
He is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Surrey Police, ensuring his behaviour and activities in Camberley and the wider Surrey area are strictly monitored until his removal from the UK. Any attempt to contact the victim or return to the country after deportation will result in immediate arrest.
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