Abusive Husband Tracked Down Wife to Wandsworth Home
Sorin Alpopi wanted her to leave the property so he could use it during lockdown
Sorin Alpopi. Picture: Facebook
A 46-year –old man has been found guilty of assault and coercive behaviour after tracking down his estranged wife to her new home in Wandsworth.
Cristina Coman, also 46, separated from her taxi driver husband Sorin Alpopi last year after 14 years of marriage.
When he turned up at her home and punched her on 5 April she called 999.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, Alpopi had been trying to get her to vacate the property and return to their native Romania so that he could take over the accommodation.
He also deleted the contacts from her mobile phone and took it away from her as well as her British passport. He told police he had confiscated it because she spent too long talking on it.
Ms Coman told officers that her husband had a history of controlling behaviour and emotional blackmail. His defence was that his behaviour was due to excessive drinking and that he was unable to work due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Appearing at Wimbledon Magistrates Court Alpopi pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in a family relationship and one count of assault by beating. He was bailed on the condition that he does not enter Wandsworth or make contact with his wife. He is due to be sentenced on 6 May,
Domestic violence is believed to have increased significantly since lockdown was imposed. Wandsworth council has issued updated advice on services available to help support victims of domestic abuse.
If you need help contact:
Metropolitan Police - If in an immediate danger, always call 999. For non-emergencies, dial 101.
Wandsworth Safety Net IDVA service - 020 7801 1777 Monday – Friday 9am-5pm
One Stop Shop service - closed until further notice however you can contact a support worker on 020 7801 1777
National Domestic Violence Helpline 24/7 - 0808 2000 247
Wandsworth Foodbanks - 020 7326 9428
Women’s Aid Live - Chat online service Monday to Friday 10am to 12pm
Rape Crisis Live Chat Helpline – available for women and girls aged 16 +. Opening hours:
Monday: 2 to 4.30pm, 6 to 9pm;
Tuesday: 2 to 4.30pm, 6 to 9pm;
Wednesday: 12pm to 2.30pm, 6 to 9pm;
Thursday: 12pm to 2.30pm, 6 to 8.30pm;
Friday: 9 to 11.30am.
Housing Options - if you are at risk of homelessness, contact Housing options duty 020 8871 6840. Out of hours housing after 4.30pm on 020 8871 6000.
April 22, 2020