GLASGOW, Scotland (FN) — A man who raped a woman in a city center alleyway has been sentenced to nine years in prison, with an additional three years of supervision upon release.
Mihae-Nicolae Patran, 34, was convicted of raping a 27-year-old doctor in the early hours of Nov. 26, 2023, as she walked through Mitchell Street in Glasgow. The victim, who did not know Patran, fled the scene partially unclothed and sought help from a nearby taxi driver.
Patran, a Romanian national, was previously arrested for exposing himself to a woman on a train. During his initial court appearance, he performed a sex act on himself while seated in the dock.
Judge N McFadyen, presiding at Glasgow High Court on Monday, described Patran as a “real danger to women” and said the victim endured a “protracted, demeaning and squalid rape” lasting approximately 40 minutes. Patran was found guilty of three sexual offenses involving female strangers over a five-week period in 2023.
The judge said it is hoped Patran will be deported to Romania after serving his sentence. He was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Defense attorney Donald Findlay KC said Patran continues to maintain his innocence and offered no apology to the court. He added that Patran has no close family ties in Scotland and may prefer to return to his home country.
Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offenses, said the conviction was supported by multiple strands of evidence, including CCTV footage and victim testimony.
“Mihai-Nicolae Patran poses a significant danger to women and is a sexual opportunist who offends in high-risk situations,” Cook said. “This conviction would not have been possible without these women, and I hope it brings some comfort that Patran has now been held accountable.”
Sexual crimes in Scotland are prosecuted under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009, which defines consent and criminalizes acts where the accused had no reasonable belief that the victim consented. The Scottish Government has proposed a dedicated Sexual Offences Court to handle serious cases with trauma-informed procedures.
Victim support services play a critical role in the justice process. Organizations such as Rape Crisis Scotland and Victim Support Scotland offer counseling, legal advocacy, and crisis intervention. These services help survivors navigate court proceedings and access emotional and practical support.
“Survivors often face immense psychological and social challenges,” said Fiona McGregor, a caseworker with Rape Crisis Scotland. “Our role is to ensure they are not alone and that their voices are heard.”
Patran’s case also raises questions about the ethics of rehabilitating sexual offenders. While Scotland’s Operation Safe Corridor is primarily used for de-radicalizing former terrorists, similar rehabilitation models have been debated for violent offenders.
Critics argue that rehabilitation must be balanced with accountability and public safety. “Rehabilitation is important, but not at the expense of justice,” said Dr. Elaine Robertson, a criminologist at the University of Edinburgh. “The public must trust that offenders are not simply being reintegrated without meaningful change.”
Supporters of rehabilitation emphasize its role in reducing recidivism and promoting long-term safety. “Punishment alone doesn’t prevent future harm,” said James Kerr, a forensic psychologist. “Structured rehabilitation, when done responsibly, can protect communities.”
As Scotland continues to reform its justice system, the balance between supporting victims and rehabilitating offenders remains a central challenge.
