A GRINNING man attempted to rape a woman after asking her out for a drink.

Sorin-Alexandru Mandache admitted three counts of attempted rape when he attacked the woman in Bognor.

The 24-year-old landscape gardener said he had seen the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in the town.

When she was walking one evening he approached her and talked to her, telling her he had seen her around town.

She declined his offer of a drink, so he attacked her and forced himself upon her.

At first, Mandache told police he had no involvement, but early DNA results linked him to the offence.

So at Portsmouth Crown Court he was jailed for four years and eight months.

Prosecutors said the incident happened in Hook Lane, Bognor at 10pm on August 1 this year.

Mandache had asked her out for a drink with him while she walked in Shripney Road.

He claimed he had apparently seen her on previous occasions.

She said no, and tried to walk on, but Mandache attacked her and attempted to rape her.

He then ran off into the night.

But the 44-year-old woman quickly reported her ordeal to the police, who launched Operation Newfield.

Detectives and officers from the West Sussex Safeguarding Unit led the inquiry.

Officers said the speed of the report by the woman was crucial to establish forensic and DNA evidence of Mandache’s crimes.

The victim said: “I am glad that he has been put away, and can’t do this to anyone else.”

Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Katy Lewis said: “Immediate forensic and other enquiries swiftly led to Mandache’s identification and he was tracked down within days.

“He had at first denied any involvement but when faced with DNA evidence had little option but to admit his guilt.

“This isolated case shows how our investigations can be aided by swift reporting while forensic and other evidence is still accessible.”