Launceston Sexual Assault: Yordan Stanchev Jailed for Three Years & Faces Deportation for Attack on Teenager

A Bulgarian national has been jailed for three years after pleading guilty to the random sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl in a Launceston alleyway.

Yordan Stanchev, 26, of no fixed abode, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday following a predatory attack that a judge described as every woman’s worst nightmare.

The court heard that Stanchev will likely face deportation upon the conclusion of his custodial term & has been ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

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The incident occurred at approximately 9.15pm on Sunday, 25 January, in an alleyway situated near Launceston College as the victim was walking alone.

The victim, who was unknown to Stanchev, observed him following her before he broke into a sprint to intercept her path as she attempted to flee.

After catching the teenager, Stanchev pinned her against a metal fence where he carried out the assault, though the victim resisted & inflicted a visible injury to his face.

The defendant fled the scene after potentially being disturbed by a dog walker, allowing the victim to reach safety & alert her family who contacted the authorities.

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In a bizarre turn of events, Stanchev contacted the police himself shortly before the attack was reported to claim he had been assaulted outside a nearby Lidl supermarket.

Officers attending that call located Stanchev with facial trauma matching the description provided by the victim, leading to his prompt identification & arrest.

Subsequent digital analysis of his mobile phone confirmed his presence at the scene of the offence during the precise window of the assault.

A restraining order was implemented by the court to provide permanent protection for the victim, with Judge Simon Carr praising her exceptional bravery in fighting off her attacker.

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Sentencing Stanchev, Judge Carr noted that the defendant had trailed his victim to a remote location before launching a “sustained & terrifying attack.”

The court heard the defendant was motivated by misogynistic views & a desire for revenge over a perceived infidelity by his wife, with the judge stating he intended to commit even more serious offences.

Police Staff Investigator Jo Wilson said: “This was an utterly terrifying attack for the victim, but thankfully stranger attacks of this nature remain rare here in Devon & Cornwall.”

The investigator thanked the victim for her prompt call to the police, which enabled officers to locate & arrest the suspect within hours of the offence.

The police also extended thanks to the dog walker & other witnesses who supported the investigation, reinforcing that such reports are treated with the utmost priority.