Police urgently searching for Leicester man who failed to appear at rape sentencing in Essex
Alexandru Oprea was convicted and sentenced in his absence and now officers are trying to track him down
Last updated 26th Jun 2026
Detectives are urgently searching for a man from Leicester who has been convicted of serious sexual offences in Essex, though he's not appeared in court for his sentencing.
Alexandru Oprea, 34, did not appear at his trial, leading to his conviction and sentencing being conducted without him present on 19th June.
Oprea was jailed in his absence to more than eleven years in prison at Chelmsford Crown Court.
The jury found him guilty of rape, two counts of sexual assault, indecent exposure, harassment, and importation of a weapon.
He was cleared of assault by penetration and controlling or coercive behaviour.
His victim, expressing her thoughts post-sentencing, stated:
"I have waited three years for this moment, I am praying every day that he will be found as soon as possible, people like him do not deserve to be free with no consequences.
"I am still struggling to calm myself because after the sentencing it feels like everything is coming back to my mind.
"I am extremely grateful for all the support."
Police began their investigation into Oprea’s offences in September 2023. They all happened in Essex.
Detective Constable Zoe Waddup stressed the importance of locating Oprea swiftly:
"We are focused on locating Oprea as quickly as possible to ensure he serves the sentence.
"We are working closely with the survivor in this case.
"We know the impact this abhorrent offending has had, and we are working tirelessly to locate him."
"I would appeal directly to the defendant to contact us and hand himself in. Our work to find him will not stop."
Oprea, a Romanian national, faces 8 years and 10 months in prison, followed by an additional three years on extended licence to complete his 11 years and 10 months sentence.
He is also placed on the sex offenders register and subject to a restraining order.
Police urge anyone with information on Oprea's whereabouts to come forward immediately, quoting reference 42/MR/23938/23.