April 2023

Predator raped girl, 12, after taking her to ‘dirty pigeon-filled flat’

A paedophile who raped a 12-year-old girl after luring her to a pigeon-filled flat has been sentenced to a total of 16-years

Nicusor Manole was detained in Staffordshire four days after his horrifying attack, which left his young ‘vulnerable’ victim ‘traumatised’.

The 27-year-old came across the girl by chance before offering to buy her a Lucozade and taking her back to his ‘dirty’ flat.

Her sickening ordeal only came to an end when she managed to run into the street and flag down a cyclist for help.

Now, the rapist has been locked up after being convicted by jurors. Preston Crown Court heard how the pair met by chance in Burnley, Lancashire, last June.

He was initially ‘kind to her’ and bought her a drink of Lucozade before offering her £10 so she could travel to Manchester. But his cash gift was on the condition she would go back to his home for a few hours, Lancashire Constabulary said.

The pair travelled by taxi to a flat in Colne Road, Brierfield, which was above a tyre garage. It was ‘dirty’ with a number of pigeons inside, the girl revealed.

Manole, who had locked the door, then became ‘angry’ and raped the schoolgirl. His mood had changed, it was said.

The victim was only able to leave the flat when she persuaded the rapist they should leave the property together. She then ran into the street ‘crying’ and told a cyclist she had been attacked.

An investigation was launched by Lancashire Constabulary, with Manole identified as the culprit. He left the area but was arrested four days later on the M6 in Staffordshire.

The pervert, of Market Square, Nelson, Lancashire, was convicted of rape and sexual assault following a trial at Preston Crown Court.

He was handed a 16-year sentence, with 15 years in custody and a one-year extended licence period

Sentencing, a judge said he was an offender of concern and also handed him a sexual harm prevention order.