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Violent Romanian rapist jailed for dealing in Tunbridge Wells

A violent Romanian criminal caught dealing cocaine within six months of coming to the UK has been jailed for four years.

Marian Stoica, who has convictions for attempted murder, a firearm offence, robbery and rape in his native country, was tempted by the offer of making £1,000 a week selling the Class A drug in Tunbridge Wells.

The 35-year-old later told police he worked a 12-hour shift for his suppliers, who directed him where to ply his illicit trade.

Stoica was caught dealing six months after arriving in the country. Stock picture
Stoica was caught dealing six months after arriving in the country. Stock picture

In what was described as a 'forthcoming' interview following his arrest in the town, Stoica revealed his 'work' routine.

"He said he had been in Tunbridge Wells for about two weeks and worked the midday to midnight shift," said prosecutor Steven Attridge.

"He had been given a Nokia phone on which postcodes would be sent to him and he would go there to deal.

"At the end of each shift he would hand the phone over to someone else to work the next 12-hour shift before it was given back to him.

"He said he was sorry but was tempted too much by the money."

Stoica also told police he had arrived in the UK in January this year to work on a chicken farm in Bradford.

Marian Stoica from Romania has been locked up. Picture: Kent Police
Marian Stoica from Romania has been locked up. Picture: Kent Police

He then worked at a carwash in Colchester, Essex, but after four days was asked to sell drugs.

"He was offered £1,000 a week to deal in Tunbridge Wells and said the money was too good to turn down," added Mr Attridge.

Stoica, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine and possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

Maidstone Crown Court, heard he was caught mid-deal by plain clothes officers in a car park on June 28 this year.

His 'customer' revealed she had bought £40 cocaine deals from him on five previous occasions.

Stoica had 18 deal bags on him, with a further two found under the steering wheel of his VW Polo.

The court heard his 10 previous convictions for 17 offences date back 19 years.

In 2008 he was jailed in Romania for six years for rape, and in 2014 he received a prison sentence of nine years, later reduced to eight years, for attempted murder and possession of a firearm.

He then received his first conviction in the UK in May this year for handling stolen goods.

Judge Adele Williams
Judge Adele Williams

Sara Haroon, defending, said Stoica planned to use the money he made from drug dealing to pay for his mother's breast cancer treatment.

Jailing him, Judge Adele Williams described his role as significant, but said she gave him credit for his 'very frank admissions' to police.

However, the judge added custody was inevitable.

"Cocaine is a dangerous and pernicious drug capable of causing havoc in people's lives which is why the courts take such a serious view," she told Stoica.

"You also have very serious offences in your native country which is an aggravating feature of this offending."

The court was told Stoica is liable to deportation on his release.

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