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A 29-year-old man who went to a woman's home to "punish, humiliate and degrade" her through rape and violence – leaving her with physical and psychological injuries – has been sent to prison.
Andrei Alexandru Dumitrache was yesterday sentenced to six years and nine months behind bars for two counts of rape and an assault charge by the Royal Court.
Dumitrache, who is a Romanian national, had pleaded guilty to the offences in October 2023.
The court has placed Dumitrache on the Sex Offender's Register for ten years and issued a 10-year restraining order.
He also also been recommended for deportation to Romania after his sentence has been served.
Addressing Dumitrache, Deputy Bailiff Robert MacRae, presiding, called the assault "calculated" and said Dumitrache's "continued presence" in Jersey would be "detrimental to the island".
Crown Advocate Luke Sette, prosecuting, explained how, after entering the home address of the victim, Dumitrache became abusive towards her and assaulted her by hitting and kicking her. He then went on to rape her, remaining at her address overnight.
The morning after, the victim called a close friend before making a report to the States of Jersey Police. She went to Dewberry House, where she underwent a medical examination and gave the first of several statements.
Pictured: Police have since assured victims of sexual violence that there are plenty of services able to support them.
Crown Advocate Sette asked for a 10-year custodial sentence, but Advocate Allana Binnie, defending, argued this was too high given Dumitrache's remorse.
She said he became "upset" when hearing about the impact on his victim, who had said she was "not sure that she will ever get over the experience".
Dumitrache initially entered not guilty pleas for all three offences – meaning that the victim initially had to go through a period of several months thinking she would have to face court to give evidence – but later changed this.
Following the sentencing, Police Sergeant James Clark said he hoped it would offer the woman "some form of closure".
"We are committed to investigating and prosecuting all sexual offenders and want to assure victims that there are a number of agencies who are able to offer support and guidance through all stages of the criminal justice process," he added.
The Jurats sitting were Lieutenant-Bailiff Robert Christensen, Kim Averty, Gareth Hughes, Karen Le Cornu and Michael Berry.
Islanders affected by any of the issues raised in this report can contact any of the following:
SARC at Dewberry House provides expert independent and confidential support to victims of sexual abuse. Tel: 01534 888222.
Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) provide and maintain a supporting framework for survivors and their families. Confidential helpline: 01534 482800.
Freeda (formerly Jersey Women’s Refuge) offer help and support for victims of domestic abuse. Tel: 0800 7356836.
Jersey Domestic Abuse Support (JDAS) is an independent service developed to protect and support victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Tel: 01534 880505.
Victim Support offer free and confidential advice to victims of crime. Tel: 01534 440496.
Victims First Jersey is a free and independent service offering confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime. Tel: 0800 7351612.
Samaritans offer a confidential and non-judgemental listening ear to people who need to talk. Tel: 116 123 free from any phone or 0330 094 5717 (local call charges apply).
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