Serial Sex Offender Jailed for Life After DNA Links Him to Two Nighttime Attacks on Women
Dangerous predator targeted women walking home alone in Warrington, leaving victims with lasting trauma
- Mariyan Grudev, 39, attacked women walking home alone and was caught on CCTV
- His DNA linked him to a 2019 rape and a 2023 attempted rape
- Grudev received life imprisonment with a minimum of 14 years
A 39-year-old convicted sex offender, Mariyan Grudev, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of rape and attempted rape in Warrington.
His crimes, targeting young women walking home from nights out, were uncovered through DNA evidence and CCTV footage.
In July 2023, Grudev approached a 19-year-old woman walking home alone. After following her and asking her name, he attacked her near some bushes, but she managed to escape and alert the police. Grudev was later caught on CCTV attempting to approach other women that night.
DNA taken after his arrest linked him to the rape of another woman in December 2019, also in Warrington. That victim recalled being approached by Grudev and later waking up disoriented, with no memory of the assault itself.
Grudev denied the 2019 rape but was found guilty following a trial in July 2024. He pleaded guilty to the 2023 attempted rape. On February 6, 2025, Liverpool Crown Court sentenced him to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 14 years before eligibility for parole, reduced for time spent on remand. Restraining orders have also been issued to prevent him from contacting his victims.
The women bravely shared the devastating impact of the assaults, describing ongoing trauma, panic attacks, and struggles with trust. Prosecutors hailed their courage in helping bring Grudev to justice, ensuring no more women would fall victim to his predatory behavior.
