Two brothers who raped a woman after a Christmas event in north-west London have been sentenced to a combined 18 years in prison, following a complex investigation by specialist Metropolitan Police detectives that included a successful appeal against an earlier court dismissal.
Marius Todoran, 40, of Girton Avenue, Brent, was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment for rape at Kingston Crown Court on Wednesday, 8 April. His brother, Vasile Todoran, 43, of the same address, received a ten-year sentence for rape, kidnap, and kidnap with intent to commit a sexual offence. Both men have been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.
The case dates back to December 2023, when the victim — a woman in her 40s — encountered Vasile Todoran after leaving a Christmas event in Queensbury, north-west London. CCTV footage later showed her being forcibly taken to an address where the brothers rented a room. Despite making several attempts to escape, she was forced into the property, where she was raped.
A lengthy investigation followed, during which specialist officers reviewed hours of CCTV footage, analysed phone data and interviewed key witnesses. The brothers were subsequently charged, and a trial began in November 2024. However, proceedings were halted when the presiding judge ruled there was no case to answer, leading to the case being dismissed.
Both the investigation team and prosecutors challenged that decision, escalating the matter to the Court of Appeal. The appeal was successful, overturning the dismissal and ordering a full retrial at crown court. Following a re-examination of all the evidence, the brothers were found guilty at Kingston Crown Court on 27 February 2026.
Detective Sergeant Josh Dwyer, who led the investigation, paid tribute to the victim. “She has shown remarkable strength and courage in speaking to police and throughout the investigation and trial,” he said. “Her testimony was instrumental in ensuring justice was achieved.”
DS Dwyer also addressed the earlier setback in proceedings. “That is why the original court decision — that there was insufficient evidence to proceed — was challenged, and the tenacity of the Met investigation team and prosecutors has ensured the Todoran brothers have been held to account for their horrific behaviour.”
In a statement following the sentencing, the victim thanked officers for their support throughout the case. “I don’t think that I would have been able to get through this without all police officers’ help and care,” she said, adding: “I would also like to say to whoever reads this to trust and call the police when something happens to them.”
Anyone seeking confidential support can contact the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, free of charge, on 0808 500 2222, or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.
