A PIZZA delivery driver forced a woman in her teens into a room before pulling her trousers down and sexually assaulting her.

Ionut-Adrian Ciocirlan, of Heather View Road in Poole, was working for Papa John's in The Broadway, Broadstone when he carried out the "frightening" attack on September 17 2017.

The defendant, now 27, denied two sexual offences against the woman.

However, he was convicted following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.

Jurors heard Ciocirlan approached his victim, who was then aged in her late teens, and sexually assaulted her by groping her.

He then forced the woman into a room, pulled her trousers down and committed a further serious sexual assault.

The victim, who knew Ciocirlan, managed to get away. She told a friend and then reported the offence to Dorset Police three days later.

The defendant was arrested at his home address on Friday, September 22 2017.

Ciocirlan has now been handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to comply with a three-month curfew between 7pm and 4am, and told he will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

In addition, the defendant must pay a £140 victim surcharge and £1,000 compensation.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Sainsbury, of the Serious Sex Offences Team, said: “Ionut-Adrian Ciocirlan forced himself upon his victim and subjected her to a frightening sexual assault. I would like to pay tribute to her for coming forward and supporting the prosecution.

“We are committed to supporting victims and ensuring offenders are brought before the court.”

n Anyone who has experienced sexual violence can contact one of a number of organisations for support.

For more information, visit dorsetforyou.com/dvahelp for details, or call Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre on 01202 308855 or The Shores (Dorset Sexual Assault Referral Centre) on 01202 552056.