A 28-year-old rapist who followed his teenage victim before carrying out an “awful and appalling” attack has been jailed for 12 years.

East Anglian Daily Times: The area between First and Second Avenue in Sudbury where a woman was raped in May. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe area between First and Second Avenue in Sudbury where a woman was raped in May. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

Marian Pavel was sentenced today for raping and sexually assaulting a young woman in Sudbury in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday, May 28.

Pavel, from Cavendish Way, Sudbury, has also been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

He had pleaded guilty to rape when he appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on July 4.

The attack happened at around 3.30am on May 28 off a path near to First Avenue and Second Avenue.

The victim, aged 18, had been walking back from the town centre along the Waldingfield Road, when she turned left onto a cycle path opposite Wheelers Close. As she approached an area of grassland she suddenly heard footsteps behind her and was then grabbed by a man who raped her.

Pavel was arrested by police on Saturday, June 2, and charged three days later with rape and sexual assault.

Det Insp Stuart Chapman said: “I can only describe this as an awful and appalling attack carried out by Pavel.

“Whilst the victim was walking home, it is evident that Pavel followed her for a distance before attacking her in such a cruel way, leading the victim to truly believe that she would die.

“The victim has been so brave and courageous throughout this investigation but understandably Pavel’s actions have had a significant impact. I am pleased with the sentence today and hope this will go some way in helping the victim following the trauma and distress she has endured and I would like to thank all those people who have assisted the Police with this investigation to ensure this was successfully brought to court.”