Man who beat woman during attempted rape given extended eight year sentence

A man who beat and tried to rape a woman in Corby has been given an eight-year extended sentence.

Cristian Vasian, aged 20, carried out the attack on the evening of November 27, 2023, after coming across the woman, who he knew in passing, in the town centre.

After walking and chatting for around 20 minutes, Vasian led the woman to a secluded part of Willow Place and tried to initiate sex. When she said no, he then began to force himself on her.

The victim’s ordeal was halted by two security guards who came to the scene after seeing the assault begin on CCTV, causing Vasian to hurry off while the victim sought their help.

The attack was reported to Northamptonshire Police and a fast-paced investigation launched to identify the man, with officers scouring CCTV, visiting businesses and making repeated patrols in order to find him.

Their persistence paid off on December 3 when a shop worker identified Vasian from the CCTV. He was arrested later that night, going on to be charged with rape, attempted rape and assault.

On December 5 he appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody with the case sent to Northampton Crown Court for trial.

At a later crown court hearing Vasian went on to admit the charges of attempted rape and assault by beating, and on Friday, May 31, he returned to the same court for sentencing.

There Vasian, of Gainsborough Road, Corby, was handed an eight-year extended sentence – used for criminals convicted of specific offences who are deemed to be dangerous –made up of four years’ imprisonment and a four-year extension period on licence.

He was placed on the sex offenders’ register and will be required to register with the police indefinitely once released, and must pay a £228 victim surcharge.

Reward orders from the Sheriff of Northamptonshire were issued for the two security guards who came to the woman’s aid, with each to receive £500 by way of thanks.

Speaking afterwards, investigating officer Detective Constable Victoria Thomas of SOLAR, the Force’s dedicated rape investigation team, said: “While offences of this nature are thankfully rare, that doesn’t diminish the terror and pain this woman went through at the hands of Cristian Vasian. Her bravery in speaking up is to be commended alongside the actions of the security guards who came to her aid.

“I’m so pleased the danger Vasian poses has been recognised with an extended sentence, which means he will be monitored upon release and can be recalled to prison if he doesn’t comply with the terms of his licence or commits any further offences.

“Tackling violence against women and girls, including any form of sexual violence, is a priority for Northamptonshire Police. If you have been subjected to any form of assault or abuse, whether recent or non-recent, please know that we are here to help, we will listen, offer support, and work without pause to bring offenders to justice.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this report, find support and advice here: https://www.northants.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/.