Convicted rapist Oprea remains on run after five months

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 12:23 · Archive

Convicted rapist Alexandru Oprea, 34, has been wanted by Essex Police for nearly five months after failing to attend his sentencing.

Alexandru Oprea, 34, a Romanian national from Leicester, has been wanted by Essex Police for nearly five months after failing to appear for his sentencing. He was convicted in his absence in April at Chelmsford Crown Court of six offences relating to a woman in Essex in 2023: rape, two counts of sexual assault, indecent exposure, putting a person in fear of violence by harassment, and importing a weapon. He was cleared of assault by penetration and controlling or coercive behaviour.

Oprea was sentenced on June 19 to 11 years and ten months in total. The sentence comprises eight years and ten months in custody followed by three years on extended licence. Following the conviction, he was placed on the sex offenders register and made subject to a restraining order.

The victim said she had waited three years for the case to reach its conclusion and was praying for Oprea to be found as soon as possible. Detective Constable Zoe Waddup, who investigated the case, previously said officers were working 'tirelessly' to locate him and ensure he serves his sentence.

Essex Police confirmed that Oprea remains wanted and that work to locate him is ongoing.

How it is being reported

• Convicted rapist remains on the run nearly five months after disappearingConvicted rapist Alexandru Oprea remains wanted by Essex Police almost five months after being sentenced in absence to 11 years and 10 months on June 19.Brentwood Guardian · 6 Nov, 11:58
• Convicted rapist remains on the run nearly five months after disappearingConvicted rapist Alexandru Oprea remains wanted by Essex Police almost five months after being sentenced in absence to 11 years and 10 months on June 19.Colchester Gazette · 6 Nov, 11:58
• Convicted rapist remains on the run nearly five months after disappearingConvicted rapist Alexandru Oprea remains wanted by Essex Police almost five months after being sentenced in absence to 11 years and 10 months on June 19.Echo (Basildon) · 6 Nov, 11:58

In this story: Alexandru Oprea · Essex Police · Chelmsford Crown Court · Leicester · Essex

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