Man jailed following sexual assault in Wellingborough

A 51-year-old man who sexually assaulted a teenage girl in Wellingborough town centre has been jailed for six years and six months and given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Marian Barbu appeared at Northampton Crown Court on March 18 to be sentenced after a jury found him guilty of two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15.

At his trial, which concluded on October 31 last year, the court heard that Barbu, of no fixed address, had sexually assaulted the girl after befriending her in Wellingborough town centre in the early hours of June 3, 2025.

He was accused of sexually assaulting the vulnerable girl several times in and around Market Square, between 3.30am and 5am, and went on to be charged with a total of eight offences, including four rapes.

Barbu was found guilty of two sexual touching and penetration offences but was discharged by the court after the jury returned not guilty verdicts in relation to a further six charges.

In addition to his custodial sentence, under the conditions of his SHPO, Barbu is banned from having any contact with a child under the age of 16 or staying at the home of any child for the rest of his life. He was also ordered to pay £228 victim surcharge.

Detective Constable Paige Goodman, of Northamptonshire Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, who led the investigation, said: “Instead of helping a vulnerable teenager, Marian Barbu targeted her for his own selfish, sexual gratification and I am pleased that he now must face the consequences of his predatory behaviour.

“Nothing will ever make the girl forget what Barbu did to her, however for someone so young, she should be proud of the incredible bravery she has shown. And because of her, he cannot do this to anyone else, and a dangerous sexual predator is now behind bars.

“I hope this case shows how seriously we deal with crimes of this nature. Our team will always strive to secure justice for anyone who finds the courage to come forward to us – please know that we will listen to you, believe you and support you every step of the way.”

Tackling violence against women and girls is a matter of priority for Northamptonshire Police. Read more at www.northants.police.uk.

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, please come forward by calling 101 or via the online reporting tool at www.northants.police.uk/report.

You can also visit Voice Northants or call 0300 303 1965 for free, confidential support.