Twelve Years For Railway Station Rapist

A rapist who struck when a lone woman became lost after a night out – attacking her in a wooded area near Catford Bridge Railway Station - has been caged for twelve years.

Danut Bulboana, 21, preyed on the woman - aged her her late 20's – after her cab dropped her off at the wrong location at 11.30pm on August 27, last year.

He was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court of two counts of rape, plus another count relating to his attempt to choke her when she screamed out.

As she tried to find her way home the victim suddenly found herself in an unfamiliar wooded area with an unknown male - later identified as Bulboana.

He raped her twice and she tried to scream, but Bulboana stifled her cries by forcing something into her mouth, choking her.

She eventually managed to get away from Bulboana and called 999.

Police attended and spoke to the victim, who then assisted the officers in trying to locate where the offence took place. 

In doing so, they were able to trace Bulboana’s location and, despite altering his appearance by changing his clothing, the woman was able to provide a positive identification and Bulboana was arrested.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's South East Safeguarding Team launched an immediate investigation.

They were able to charge Bulboana on October 25, after forensic examinations linked him to the crime.

Detective Constable Dean Young, who led the investigation, said: “This was a brutal and extremely sinister attack in which Bulboana preyed on the vulnerability of a lone woman at night. 

“I would like to commend the sheer bravery displayed by the victim, who quickly called police after being subjected to a truly horrific ordeal. 

“Her actions resulted in a dangerous man being detained by officers within an hour of the attack, and subsequently being brought to justice.

“Sexual offences often inflict lasting trauma on victims, but I hope that Bulboana’s conviction will help the victim’s recovery process.

“This case demonstrates our commitment to removing sexual predators from the streets of London and ensuring they are brought to justice. 

“If you are a victim of sexual crime, please tell us - you will be supported and the crime fully investigated.”