Depraved Attacker Sentenced for Protracted Alleyway Rape
A man described as 'depraved' has been sentenced to nine years in prison for raping a doctor in a city centre alleyway in Glasgow. Mihai-Nicolae Patran, 34, carried out the horrific 40-minute attack on a 27-year-old stranger as she took a shortcut through Mitchell Street in the early hours of November 26, 2023.
The court heard that the victim, who was meeting friends, had decided to head to a Taco Bell and cut through the alleyway where Patran was intending to bed down. Judge N McFadyen stated the woman was subjected to a 'protracted, demeaning and squalid rape' in a doorway.
The victim managed to escape naked from the waist down and found safety in a taxi. The attack was partially captured on CCTV and a mobile phone, which helped establish the prolonged nature of the assault.
A Pattern of Sexual Offences Against Women
This conviction was not an isolated incident. Over a five-week period in late 2023, Patran carried out a series of sexual offences against female strangers.
He was also found guilty of flashing a woman on a train between Perth and Stirling in October 2023. Patran faced further accusations, including asking another woman for sex for money and sexually assaulting a court custody officer.
During his first court appearance, Patran performed a sex act on himself while sitting in the dock, demonstrating a continued pattern of inappropriate and criminal behaviour.
Sentencing and Condemnation from the Court
At Glasgow High Court, Judge N McFadyen sentenced Patran to nine years behind bars with a further three years of supervision upon his release. The judge was unequivocal in his assessment, stating that Patran poses a 'real danger to women' and is 'clearly a dangerous man'.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, the Romanian national continues to maintain his innocence, according to his lawyer Donald Findlay KC. Mr Findlay indicated that Patran would prefer to return to his home country at some point.
Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, commended the victims for their courage: 'This conviction would not have been possible without these women, and I hope it brings some comfort that Patran has now been held accountable.' She emphasised that while such stranger offending is rare, it 'will not be tolerated' and that prosecutors will continue to support those affected in seeking justice.
