Basildon man jailed for violent attack

A man has been jailed for attacking a woman and knocking her unconscious.

Octavian Petre had been drinking and smoking cannabis before having an argument with the 33-year-old woman, which then escalated into violence.
She managed to flee her home and knocked on a neighbour’s door for help.

However, Petre followed her, dragged her to the floor and stamped on her. He continued to punch and kick and spit on her. When another neighbour came out to help the victim, Petre hit him in the face.

Both victims sought safety at a neighbour’s flat, but Petre repeatedly kicked and punched the door and slashed at it with a knife.

Police were called to the block of flats in Southernhay, Basildon, and he was arrested. 

Following the terrifying incident on 22 January, the 33-year-old was charged with attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, assault by beating and criminal damage.

He admitted the charges when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court on 12 March and was jailed for two-and-a-half years on 7 May.

Investigating officer, DC Jonathan Wilson, of the Southend Domestic Abuse Investigation Team, said:

“This was a horrific and violent attack that continued when others tried to intervene to stop him. 

“We worked hard to gather the evidence to secure a charge and a guilty plea from Petre. 

“We know there are times when victims may feel unable to support our investigations but we will continue to do all we can to bring violent offenders such as Petre to justice and safeguard vulnerable people.”  

Essex Police urge anyone who is suffering from domestic abuse to please not suffer in silence.

Call on 101 or report online at www.essex.police.uk. Always call 999 in an emergency.

If you are frightened to call police, call handlers have been trained in responding to silent calls. If you call and then hold 55, an operator will know you are in danger and they will be able to respond accordingly.

You can also establish a code word to let your loved ones, friends, neighbours or colleagues know that you’re in danger and to call the police.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

There are a number of charities and advice services in Essex, including COMPASS. Visit www.essexcompass.org.uk for more information
You can also contact organisations including Changing Pathways, Safer Places, Women’s Aid and Refuge.