Birmingham, 6 June – A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to a decade behind bars after pleading guilty to the rape, robbery, and violent assault of a woman in Perry Barr earlier this year.
Cornel Filipeche, of Hawthorn Road, carried out the brutal attack in the early hours of 18 January on Walsall Road. Police were alerted after the victim reported being raped and assaulted. Detectives swiftly launched an investigation, releasing a CCTV appeal that generated crucial leads from the public.
Just three days later, Filipeche was arrested. Following a meticulous investigation—bolstered by the victim’s courageous testimony—he admitted to rape, robbery, and causing grievous bodily harm in February.
Today, at Birmingham Crown Court, he was handed a 10-year prison sentence and an additional 5 years on licence. He will also be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Detective Inspector Emma Watson of West Midlands Police’s Public Protection Unit commended the survivor’s bravery:
“Her strength in coming forward may have prevented further harm to others. We urge all victims of abuse to report it—you will be supported, and you will be believed.”
The case highlights the importance of community cooperation in tackling violent crime, with detectives crediting public tip-offs for the rapid arrest.
Support for sexual violence survivors is available through local charities and West Midlands Police’s dedicated helplines.