A
“dangerous” Romanian criminal, who targeted two lone women in
sexually-motivated attacks within weeks of arriving in the UK, has
been locked-up for 16 years.
Heavily-tatooed
Nicusor Ion, 41, of Islip Gardens, Northolt was armed with a knife on
both occasions when he struck at the same underpass.
Fortunately
Ion – who is a convicted robber in his homeland - was disturbed by
passers-by, which cut short the attacks as he dragged each victim
into bushes.
He
was convicted by an Isleworth Crown Court jury of sexually assaulting
a 28 year-old woman at 6.45pm on August 9, last year near the Target
Roundabout, Northolt.
Ion
was also found guilty of attempting to rob the woman and possessing
an offensive weapon.
The
victim was grabbed from behind by Ion and forced into bushes at
knifepoint.
She
was robbed and sexually assaulted by Ion, who fled when disturbed by
a member of the public.
Three
days later, at 9.30am on August 12, he attacked a 47 year-old woman
in the same underpass.
Ion
grabbed her and tried to drag her into bushes before pushing her to
the floor.
He
was again disturbed by a member of the public and ran off.
Ion
was convicted of attempting to sexually assault the woman, robbing
her and possessing a bladed article.
Police
took her on a drive around of the local area and she pointed him out
as he stood outside a betting-shop in nearby Mandeville Road.
The
first victim also picked Ion out from an identity parade.
Detective
Constable Ben Robinson from Ealing CID said: "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."