Domestic abuser jailed after officers earn victim’s trust

A domestic abuser who beat and controlled his partner has been jailed after Met officers worked to earn the victim’s trust by communicating with her in her native tongue.

Marian Floarea, 45 (22.06.79), of Shetland Road, Tower Hamlets E3, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 12 July where he was sentenced to 14 years and nine months in prison. He was previously convicted of two counts of grievous bodily harm and one count of controlling and coercive behaviour.

Detective Constable Jason Simms, who works in the safeguarding team covering Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “With members of our team speaking Romanian, the victim’s native language, we were able to build a rapport, connect with her and help her open up to us.

“I am proud of the commitment of my team but I am also proud of the bravery of the victim. Through this cooperation we were able to bring Floarea to justice and I hope that she can take steps to recovery and rebuilding her life.

“If you are, or know anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse, then I urge you to let us know. We will do everything in our power to investigate and bring offenders to justice.”

On 14 November, 2023 officers were called to reports of a domestic disturbance at an address in Tower Hamlets.

When officers arrived, they found the victim with severe injuries, including a severely swollen face caused by multiple fractures to her eye socket, a visibly broken arm and also a broken thumb as a result of being bitten. Marian Floarea was arrested for grievous bodily harm at the scene and taken to a police station.

Communicating in Romanian, the victim told officers how Floarea had beaten her in a jealous rage in their bedroom before throwing her down the stairs.

During the case the officers went to check on the victim in the hospital to see how she was recovering. It was here that the victim spoke more about what had happened that night, and went on to disclose more about many elements of controlling and coercive behaviour, including the installing of tracking apps on her phone and setting up cameras in the bedroom to monitor her movements.

Floarea was charged on 16 November.

His Honour - Judge Falk - who oversaw the proceedings, had a final statement for Floarea. He said: “Men like you never change. The law is there to protect partners from men like you.”

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who is, and there is an emergency happening now dial 999.

More information on alternative reporting options for domestic abuse can be found here.