Mihae-Nicolae Patran has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of horrific sexual offenses, including a brutal 40-minute rape that took place in a Glasgow alleyway on November 26, 2023.
The 34-year-old, originally from Romania, viciously attacked a woman who was taking a shortcut through an alley, assaulting her in a doorway. The victim, unknown to Patran before the attack, was left naked from the waist down but managed to escape.
Patran’s conviction came after a trial at Glasgow High Court where he was found guilty not only of rape, but also of exposing himself and performing a sexual act on a train between Perth and Stirling in October 2023, as well as sexually assaulting a woman in a courtroom later that autumn.
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Judge N McFadyen described Patran as a “real danger to women” and imposed an extended sentence of nine years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The judge highlighted the chilling evidence from CCTV and mobile devices showing the prolonged and degrading nature of the assault.
The judge also condemned Patran’s “depraved and degenerate” behavior, noting that within just five weeks he had committed multiple offenses against female strangers. He expressed hope that Patran would be deported to Romania upon completion of his sentence.
Patran remains unrepentant, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial. His lawyer, Donald Findlay KC, acknowledged the lack of remorse and mentioned Patran’s tenuous connections in Scotland, with no close family ties.
Prosecutor Faye Cook emphasized the danger Patran posed, calling him a “sexual opportunist” who targeted vulnerable women. Cook praised the courage of the victims and reinforced that Scotland’s prosecution service remains committed to seeking justice in cases of stranger sexual offenses.
Detective Inspector Danny Clark of Police Scotland confirmed the investigation’s thoroughness and urged any victims of sexual assault to come forward, assuring sensitive support from specially trained officers.
Following his conviction, Patran’s name has been placed on the sex offender register indefinitely, ensuring continued monitoring after his release.