Man detained at Dover and charged over ‘rape of two teenage girls’ | UK | News
A man charged in connection with an investigation into allegations of serious sexual offenses involving two teenage girls on a beach in Great Yarmouth is due to appear in court.
Romanian national Madalin Ilinca, 34, was charged with one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault.
Ilinca, of Stafford Road, Great Yarmouth, was detained at the port of Dover as he re-entered the UK in connection with the investigation.
He was then taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Center where he was questioned and subsequently taken into custody.
Police said the man will appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
What is the general status of the investigation?
A second man in his 30s was previously arrested in Northamptonshire on May 17 on suspicion of rape in connection with the same case.
He was released on bail until August 10 while investigations continue.
Police said they were also looking for another suspect believed to be outside the UK during previous investigations. He was described as a white man in his 30s or 40s with short black hair and a dark beard.
Police were called at 12.37am on May 16 to reports of serious sexual offenses involving two teenage girls on the dunes next to the South Beach Parade in Great Yarmouth.
Officers cordoned off an area of approximately 100 meters between the beach and the back of the Premier Inn hotel as part of the initial response.
Its location is close to Pleasure Beach amusement park and overlooked by Wellington Pier.
What has been reported about Great Yarmouth?
The cordoned off sand dunes are in an area where tents were reportedly used by rough sleepers nearby, the Daily Mail reported.
Locals described seeing a heavy police presence in the early hours following the incident.
Taxi driver Jamie Zmich, 33, reportedly said he saw police activity on his way to work.
“I saw four or five police cars on my way to work around 4.10am on Saturday morning.”
“Some were parked in the Premier Inn car park, others on the side road leading to the beach. I wondered what it was.”
“I was very upset when I heard that the girls were raped. This town is no longer safe. As a taxi driver, I see everything.”
Andrew Bird, a 62-year-old semi-retired window repairman who was living in a nearby tent after losing his home, is understood to have said he became aware of the police cordon the next morning.
“I saw the tape and thought: ‘What’s going on?’ The officer didn’t tell me because of the ongoing investigation, so I let it go.”
“I don’t think anyone here heard or saw anything. When I went into town someone said there had been a stabbing.”
“I have now learned that two girls were raped. This is disgusting. The police need to get all the help they need.”
“This is actually a quiet area because it’s outside the city centre, so people come here in tents to avoid problems with their belongings being stolen.”
What did the police say?
Great Yarmouth area commander Chief Inspector Nick Paling said officers deployed specialist resources following the incident.
“We recognize how shocking and distressing these events are for the victims, their families and the wider community.”
“Specialist officers have been deployed to support both girls throughout this investigation.”
“There will be an increased police presence in the area and officers will carry out assurance patrols. Please contact them if you have any concerns or information.”
Ilinca will appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Monday while the investigation continues.
