Attacker jailed for life with a minimum of eight years over attack on lone woman in Harlesden

A violent sex attacker who targeted a lone woman on a night bus as she made her way home after an evening out, has been jailed for life with a minimum of eight years.

Dorin Varga, 35, approached his 29-year-old victim on the N18 and sat beside her before touching and kissing her while she protested. He had previously approached her at the Green Man pub in Harlesden and she had rejected his advances that same night.

When the victim got off the bus, Varga followed her off at around 4am on 8 August 2020. As the victim tried to get away, Varga smashed her head against a brick wall and repeatedly punched her in the face. He also tried to rape her before stealing her phone and leaving.

The victim was left with a bloodied face and significant facial injuries which required stitches in hospital. An earring had been ripped out and clumps of her hair were also found at the scene.

Police were able to track Varga down through CCTV footage and the Oyster card he had used on the journey. Photos taken in the pub on the night of the attack with Varga in the background also formed part of the investigation. He was arrested some days later on 15 August and the victim’s phone was also found at his address.

Yesterday (Thursday, 10 March 2022) at Harrow Crown Court Varga was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of eight years. Time already spent in custody meant this was reduced to six years and 148 days. Varga had previously pleaded guilty to sexual assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, robbery and attempted rape.

Samira Noor-Khan, from the CPS, said: “This was an unprovoked and extremely violent assault on a woman who was simply making her way home after a night out. She should have been safe.

“Dorin Varga’s actions were predatory and brutal. He preyed on a victim who was alone, intoxicated and had clearly rejected his advances. He thought he could get away with his crime, but the strong CCTV evidence meant the police were easily able to identify him.

“I would like to thank the Brazilian authorities who have helped support the victim during this prosecution.

“Sexual offences are some of the most harrowing cases we prosecute and the CPS is determined to bring perpetrators to justice.”