DETECTIVES are carrying out extensive enquiries to locate a man who is wanted after failing to answer to court bail and attend his trial.

Romanian Alexandru Oprea was jailed in his absence for more than eight years by the judge at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, 19 June.

He had been allowed out on bail despite a jury convicting him in April of six charges.

Oprea was found guilty of rape, two counts of sexual assault, Indecent exposure, putting a person in fear of violence by harassment and importation of a weapon.

He was found not guilty of assault by penetration and controlling/coercive behaviour.

The 34-year-old, from Leicester, assaulted his victim in 2023 in Essex.

Following the sentencing she said: "I have waited three years for this moment, I am praying every day that he will be found as soon as possible, people like him do not deserve to be free with no consequences.

"I am still struggling to calm myself because after the sentencing it feels like everything is coming back to my mind.

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"I am extremely grateful for all the support."

Essex Police launched an investigation in September 2023.

Oprea, a Romanian national, was sentenced to 11 years and 10 months. When apprehended he must serve 8 years and 10 months in prison and a further three on extended licence.

He has also been placed on the sex offenders register and is subject to a restraining order.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Zoe Waddup said: "We are focused on locating Oprea as quickly as possible to ensure he serves the sentence.

"We are working closely with the survivor in this case.

"We know the impact this abhorrent offending has had, and we are working tirelessly to locate him.

"I would appeal directly to the defendant to contact us and hand himself in. Our work to find him will not stop."

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Anyone who has any information regarding the whereabouts of Oprea should contact police immediately.

Please quote 42/MR/23938/23.

You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our online reporting services.

In an emergency call 999.

If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

Free independent specialist services for survivors of sexual violence and sexual abuse in Essex, Southend on Sea and Thurrock

Synergy Essex offers free, confidential help to anyone affected by rape, sexual abuse, or sexual violence - whether it happened recently or in the past. Synergy Essex is made up of three specialist services: (CARA) Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse, SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service, (SOSRC) Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis

You don't need to report anything to the police to get support. You can contact Synergy Essex directly, or ask someone you trust, like a friend, family member or professional, to refer you. Specialist Support is available for all ages and includes: Counselling (in person, online or by phone), Emotional and practical help, Information from Independent Sexual Violence Advisers if you choose to or are considering reporting a crime.

Their First Contact Navigator team can talk you through your options and help you get started (0300 003 7777). Find out more on the Synergy Essex website.

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Providing Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Services in Essex - Synergy Essex

COMMENT by Nub News Editor Neil Speight:

"Nub News has reported on events in Essex since our launch in 2018. On a number of occasions over those years I have written of the scenes I have witnessed in court and the cases I have covered.

"Repeatedly I have said the UK justice system is broken.

"I cannot think of anything that illustrates that more than this appalling case. Whoever made the decision to release Oprea on bail should be made to serve his sentence behind bars until he is found!"