A Ryde woman who was strangled and subjected to sustained abuse by her Romanian boyfriend has spoken of living in a ‘state of constant fear’.
Bogdan Mistreanu, 30, of Monkton Street, was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months’ imprisonment at Isle of Wight Crown Court last Friday (24th April), as first reported by Island Echo.
The sentence relates to a string of offences committed against a 55-year-old woman, including controlling or coercive behaviour, 4 counts of intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He also admitted to assaulting a 28-year-old man by beating.
The court heard that between 1st December 2024 and 21st December 2025, the victim was subjected to repeated abuse, including aggressive interrogations, regular assaults and ongoing physical, mental and verbal harm.
In a statement read to the court, the woman described living in a ‘state of constant fear’, adding that she was often too scared to leave her home. She said Mistreanu failed to take any accountability for his actions, which will have a lasting impact on her life.
The abuse came to an end on 21st December last year when the victim fled to a nearby pub following a serious assault to seek help. Mistreanu was arrested shortly afterwards.
DC Rory McKittrick, officer in the case, has said:
“Mistreanu’s actions subjected the woman involved to a terrifying ordeal for more than a year.
Article continues below this advertisement “We’re highlighting this conviction with the woman’s consent in the hope that it encourages other victims, women and men, who may be in similar relationships to come forward. No one should live in fear of physical, mental, or verbal abuse in their own home.
“Controlling or coercive behaviour is an isolating and distressing crime and can have a devastating effect on those who experience it. We take every report of this nature extremely seriously.
“We hope this sentence gives people the confidence to come forward knowing that you will be supported.
“Our message to those subjecting other people to controlling or coercive behaviour is simple, it will not be tolerated, and you will face serious consequences as Mistreanu’s case demonstrates.
“I do hope that this court result allows the woman involved to move on with her life as Mistreanu cannot cause her any more misery now that he has been sentenced”.
And will he be extradited when his sentence ends?