Two brothers who raped a woman have been jailed following a Christmas event, reports our sister title London Now.
Marius Todoran, 40, and Vasile Todoran, 43, of Girton Avenue in Brent, were convicted following a complex investigation by Metropolitan Police detectives and later sentenced at Kingston Crown Court to a combined 18 years in prison.
The attack took place in December 2023 after the victim, a woman in her 40s, left a Christmas event in Queensbury, north-west London, and was approached by Vasile Todoran.
She tried repeatedly to escape but was forcibly taken to the address where the brothers rented a room, where she was raped.
At Kingston Crown Court on April 8, Marius Todoran was sentenced to eight years in prison for rape.
Vasile Todoran received a 10-year sentence for rape, kidnap, and kidnap with intent to commit a sexual offence.
Both men will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.
Detective Sergeant Josh Dwyer, who led the investigation, said: "First and foremost, I want to commend the bravery of the victim-survivor.
"She has shown remarkable strength and courage in speaking to police and throughout the investigation and trial.
"Her testimony was instrumental in ensuring justice was achieved.
"The impact of this case cannot be undone by today’s sentencing, but we hope that it provides a small amount of closure."
The case was initially dismissed in November 2024 when a judge ruled there was no case to answer.
However, Met detectives and prosecutors challenged the decision, taking the matter to the Court of Appeal.
The appeal was successful, leading to a full retrial and ultimately, the brothers’ conviction.
The investigation relied on extensive CCTV analysis, phone data, witness statements, and urgent forensic evidence to build the case.
Following the sentencing, the victim thanked police for their support.
She said: "I don’t think that I would’ve been able to get through this without all police officers’ help and care.
"I would also like to say to whoever reads this to trust and call the police when something happens to them."
Mr Dwyer praised his team’s persistence.
He said: "The Met remains committed to tackling violence against women and girls, removing dangerous offenders from London’s streets, and ensuring victims-survivors get the right support at every stage of the criminal justice process.
"That is why the original court decision – that there was insufficient evidence to proceed – was challenged, and the tenacity of the Met investigation team and prosecutors has ensured the Todoran brothers have been held to account for their horrific behaviour."
As part of this, the Met has delivered new, specialist training to 23,000 officers and staff focused on improving the investigation of rape and serious sexual offences and enhancing victim support.
The force claims the training has led to a threefold increase in charges for rape and sexual offences, and an increase in victim-survivors willing to come forward.
Police continue to urge anyone affected by sexual violence to seek help and report offences.
Confidential support is available through the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222 or via 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.
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