Man, 37, jailed for rape

A 37-year-old man has been sent to prison after he raped a woman at Delapre Park in Northampton.

In early 2019, Ion Cojan, previously of Northampton, had placed an advertisement online for a room in his home that was available to rent. A woman responded and they arranged to meet on February 17, in Northampton town centre.

She agreed to go for a coffee however instead of driving to a café, Cojan drove to Delapre Park, where he parked up near the lake in Ransome Road and raped her in the back of his vehicle before driving her back to the town centre.

The survivor of this crime bravely reported what had happened to Northamptonshire Police and an investigation was launched.

Multiple lines of enquiry were followed including speaking to potential witnesses, forensics, reviewing the profile on the room rental website, and checking CCTV and ANPR cameras.

The investigation led to Cojan being identified as the suspect and he was arrested and charged with rape. He was found guilty following a trial at Northampton Crown Court in September and this week (November 10) was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Lead Investigator, Detective Constable David Burrage, said: “Whilst no sentence will make up for the ordeal Ion Cojan put this woman through, I am really pleased for her that he is now going down for a significant period of time.

“She has shown incredible bravery and resolve throughout our investigation and the court process and I hope the conclusion of this case allows her to move forward and onto brighter things. She can feel proud of the fact that her courage has ensured that a rapist is now behind bars and unable to harm anyone else.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for Northamptonshire Police and I hope this case shows that we take these cases extremely seriously and will do everything in our power to put the offenders behind bars.”

Northamptonshire Police takes reports of sexual assault extremely seriously and we will treat all calls and reports with the sensitivity and confidentiality that they deserve.

We will believe you, we will support you, and we will do all we can to make sure those responsible pay for their crimes.

Please come forward by calling 101 or use our online portal at www.northants.police.uk.

If you are not yet ready to speak to the police, please visit www.voicenorthants.org or call Voice on 0300 303 1965.

Serenity provides 24-hour treatment, advice and support, including examination, or anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. The discreet and confidential service will work with you to support your choices. For urgent support and advice call 01604 601713 any time, any day or visit www.nhft.nhs.uk/serenity

*This press release and custody image have been released with the support and agreement of the survivor*