A MAN who molested a young girl in Carlisle has been jailed for seven and a half years.
Daniel Ionut Marinescu, 28, pushed his primary school age victim down to the floor and sexually assaulted her on the evening of April 6 at a city address.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how the girl went home and told her mother, who contacted police and the NSPCC. Marinescu initially claimed his contact with the girl was an “accident”, but later admitted two sexual assault charges.
He was sentenced today (FRI), when a moving victim impact statement from the girl’s mother – who attended court – was read by prosecutor Brendan Burke.
“She really worries about the ongoing effect on her daughter,” said Mr Burke, who added that the girl’s father now cried “many times” having previously not been prone to showing emotion.
“In essence she says that ‘it has changed our lives’.”
Marinescu, of no fixed abode, was said to regret his offending “wholeheartedly”, and offered his apologies to his victim’s family.
But, handing down the prison sentence, Judge Peter Davies told him: “What you did to her, you must know, has had a substantial impact on her.”
Marinescu was told he will be considered for release from prison by a parole board after serving half the jail term. He must sign the sex offenders’ register – and abide by the terms of a sexual harm prevention order – indefinitely. He will also be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.
Detective Constable Selena Cairns said: “I am pleased that Marinescu has been brought to justice for sexually assaulting a child.
“He has shown little remorse for his actions and in interview defended the assault as an unintentional result of playing together.
“I would like to praise the victim for her incredible bravery to disclose what had happened to her.
“I hope that Marinescu’s sentencing provides some form of closure for the victim and her family.
“If there is anyone who is a victim of any sexual offence I would urge them to contact us. We, along with trusted partner agencies, can support you and make sure that offenders, like Marinescu, are brought to justice.”
