A man described as “depraved” committed a horrific act by raping a woman in an alley in the city center before he was sentenced to prison. Mihae-Nicolae Patran, aged 34, attacked a 27-year-old woman as she was taking a shortcut through Mitchell Street in Glasgow on the morning of November 26, 2023. The victim, unfamiliar with Patran, managed to escape to a nearby taxi half-naked, while Patran was apprehended later. He had a previous arrest for indecent exposure to a woman on a train.
Patran was handed a nine-year prison sentence on Monday, with an additional three-year supervision upon release, and was also registered as a sex offender indefinitely. Judge N McFadyen addressed Patran, stating that the CCTV footage and mobile phone evidence revealed the protracted, degrading, and squalid rape lasting over 40 minutes.
Patran, originally from Romania and deemed “dangerous,” displayed no remorse for his actions and engaged in inappropriate behavior during his court appearance. The judge, noting Patran’s guilt in three sexual offenses against female strangers within five weeks in 2023, labeled him as “depraved and degenerate,” emphasizing his danger to women.
The victim shared her experience of feeling frozen and scared when Patran approached her in the alleyway. She described her sense of disassociation and fear during the ordeal. Additionally, she expressed shock and discomfort upon witnessing Patran’s inappropriate actions in the courtroom.
Patran’s defense attorney mentioned that Patran maintained his innocence and showed no contrition or apology. The attorney indicated that Patran’s future plans might involve returning to his home country, as he lacks strong connections in Scotland.
Faye Cook, the Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, warned of Patran’s danger to women and his opportunistic sexual offenses in high-risk situations. Cook emphasized the importance of the victims’ accounts and evidence in securing the conviction, aiming to provide justice and support to those affected by such crimes.
For support and resources related to sexual assault, individuals can seek help from www.rapecrisis.org.uk or call the national telephone helpline at 0808 802 9999.