Man jailed for life for rape and attempted rape in Warrington
As he was interviewed by police for the offence of rape, he said 'prove it'
Last updated 6th Feb 2025
A man who raped a woman who got separated from her friends on a Christmas night out in Warrington - has been jailed for life.
Mariyan Grudev will serve at least 12 years and 175 days behind bars after also being convicted for the attempted rape of another woman in the town.
The first offence took place on 21 December 2019, when the victim was on a Christmas night out with her friends and work colleagues.
She had been to various bars and clubs and became separated from her final friends at around 2am.
She last remembered being with a Bulgarian man who kept asking her to come back to his home , and the recalled feeling a sharp pain.
She next recalled her mum and step-dad pulling up in a car and taking her home.
CCTV showed Grudev following the victim on the night in question and DNA of Grudev was found on the victim and a tissue she used.
After she bravely reported what happened to police, he was arrested. Grudev denied the offence and when forensic evidence was put to him in interview - he said 'prove it', before answering no comment.
He was found guilty following trial.
Grudev admitted a separate offence of attempted rape in 2023.
He followed a woman home from a night out, tried to speak to her and wouldn't leave her alone.
He then grabbed her and tried to drag her into a bush - the victim managed to escape and run away - a passing taxi driver then phoned the police.
The victim of his 2019 attack spoke directly to Grudev during her victim impact statement - calling him 'a complete and utter coward.'
She also spoke about experiencing panic attacks ever since that incident and that even now she remains hyper-vigilant whenever she goes out socially.
The victim also told the court that she continues to feel vulnerable, finds difficult to form relationships, and has sought counselling for what Grudev did to her.
In sentencing, the judge called Grudev 'a sexual predator' - adding that unless his outlook changes, he will, on release, pose an imminent risk of serious harm by committing further sexual offences.
Because of that risk, a life sentence was imposed with a minimum term of 14 years, reduced to 12 years and 175 days because of the time already spent in custody.