'Dangerous sexual predator' jailed after terrifying attack on teenager on the Tube

A “dangerous sexual predator” has been jailed after sexually assaulting an 18-year-old as she tried to make her way home on the Tube.

Claudiu Rizea, 39, repeatedly sexually assaulted the teenager as she tried to cross the capital during the “terrifying” attack in the early hours of Friday, September 8 last year.

Rizea, of Stanley Road, Harrow, was jailed for eight years and three months at Kingston Crown Court on Friday.

The court heard how Rizea first approached the woman outside Euston station and offered her a cigarette.

He then followed her to Westminster before approaching her again and attempting to hug and kiss her before exposing himself to her when she reached Baker Street Underground station.

She moved away only for Rizea to then drag her out of the station and sexually assault her.

The victim managed to escape and make her way back into the station only to be repeatedly approached by Rizea who grabbed her arms and hair and again tried to drag her away.

She managed to get to safety by locking herself in a cubicle at the station toilets and when Rizea attempted to enter he was prevented by a member of rail staff.

As the 18-year-old made her way back to the platform she saw Rizea walking towards her and alerted station staff who called the police and arrested Rizea.

Rizea pleaded guilty to exposure and sexual assault following a British Transport Police investigation.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

Investigating officer DC Gemma Lee said: “This was a terrifying and sustained attack on a young woman who has been left deeply traumatised by the incident.

“Despite her repeated attempts to flee, Rizea remained undeterred and determined to carry out his hideous and sustained sexual attack and subject her to further distress by following her across the city.

“Rizea is a dangerous sexual predator, who, thanks to the bravery of this young woman is now behind bars where he belongs.”