Man who raped woman twice before breaking into her Nelson home has sentenced increased
A man who raped a woman twice before breaking into her Nelson home and threatening has had his jail sentence increased.
Ionut Tanae, 33, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court last November after admitting two counts of rape, burglary and two counts of perverting the course of justice through witness intimidation.
The court heard that Tanae twice raped the woman before later forcing his way into her address. She awoke to find him standing over her in her bedroom where he threatened her and told her to withdraw the statement she had given to police.
After being charged and remanded in custody, Tanae wrote to the victim and for a second time tried to convince her to drop the case.
In the victim’s impact statement, she described suffering with depression and anxiety as well as feelings of immense shame.
On November 26, Tanae was jailed for eight years and five months and made subject to a 15-year restraining order.
Now, his sentence has increased by three years and seven months, after the Solicitor General referred his case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
The Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP said: "Ionut Tanae’s crimes were devastating. He raped his victim on more than one occasion and then intimidated her to drop the case. Even in custody, Tane continued his campaign of intimidation.
"No one should have to endure what the victim went through, and the original sentence did not reflect the true gravity of his offending. I welcome the Court of Appeal's decision to increase Ionut Tanae’s sentence, and I commend the bravery of the victim throughout this horrendous ordeal."
On 26 November 2025, Tanae was sentenced to eight years and six months at Preston Crown Court after being convicted of two counts of rape, two counts of perverting the course of justice and one count of burglary.
Tanae's sentence was increased to 12 years and one month at the Court of Appeal today (March 19).