A relentless sexual predator who harassed, indecently exposed himself to and sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman as she tried to make her way home has been jailed. 

In the early hours of Friday September 8 last year, Claudiu Rizea approached the teenager outside Euston station and offered her a cigarette. 

The 39-year-old then followed her to Westminster before approaching her again.

This time he tried to hug and kiss her before exposing his genitals to her when they reached Baker Street Underground station.  

She moved away from Rizea, but he then tried to drag her out of the station and sexually assault her. 

The woman managed to escape and went back into the station, but Rizea grabbed her arms and hair as he tried to drag her away again. 

She once again got free, and locked herself in a cubicle at the station toilets, which Rizea was prevented from entering by a member of rail staff. 

But when she made her way back to the platform she saw Rizea walking towards her. 

She alerted station staff who phoned British Transport Police, who arrested Rizea. 

Rizea, 39, of Stanley Road, Harrow, pleaded guilty to exposure and sexual assault. 

On Friday (June 29, 2024) he was jailed for eight years and three months at Kingston Crown Court. 

Claudiu RizeaClaudiu Rizea (Image: BTP)

Investigating officer Detective Constable Gemma Lee said: “This was a terrifying and sustained attack on a young woman who has been left deeply traumatised by the incident.  

“Despite her repeated attempts to flee, Rizea remained undeterred and determined to carry out his hideous and sustained sexual attack and subject her to further distress by following her across the city. 

“Rizea is a dangerous sexual predator, who, thanks to the bravery of this young woman is now behind bars where he belongs.” 

Rizea was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.