Romanian sex attacker who preyed on lone women jailed for 16 years

A Romanian sex attacker has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after he sexually assaulted two lone woman. Nicusor Ion, 41, of Islip Gardens, preyed on his victims in an underpass on August 9, last year near the Target Roundabout in Northolt.

A convicted robber in his homeland, he carried out the sexually-motivated attacks within weeks of arriving in the UK.

At 6.45pm armed with a knife Ion grabbed his first victim from behind and forced her into nearby bushes. The 28-year-old woman was robbed and sexually assaulted by him. He fled after being disturbed by a member of the public.

Just three days later, at 9.30am on August 12, he attacked a 47-year-old woman in the same underpass robbing her and pushing her to the ground. As he attempted to drag her into bushes, he was again disturbed by a member of the public and fled.

The first victim picked Ion out in an identity parade. The second victim was taken around the local area by police in search of him and was able to identify the attacker as he stood outside a betting-shop in nearby Mandeville Road.

Detective Constable Ben Robinson from Ealing CID told Mail Online: "These were violent and sustained attacks on two lone females in broad daylight, which must have been terrifying for the victims. However, due to their courage officers were able to quickly identify Ion following the second offence and arrest him. Ion is a dangerous man who will now spend a considerable amount of time behind bars.

"Such offences will not be tolerated and we will do everything within our power to ensure offenders are brought to justice."

Following a week-long trial Ion was convicted by a jury at Isleworth Crown after being found guilty of two counts of attempted robbery, one count of sexual assault, one count of attempted sexual assault, one count of possession of an offensive weapon and one count of possession of a bladed article.