‘Cowardly’ Stefan Marin was convicted of a number of offences including child destruction following the ‘deeply disturbing’ assault
The “utterly inhumane” and “deeply disturbing” violence shown towards a vulnerable young girl led her to tragically lose her unborn child. Stefan Marin “punched, kicked, strangled and scalded” the victim, “targeting her stomach despite her desperate attempts to protect her unborn child”.
Marin, 19, of New George Street, Hull, was convicted unanimously by a jury of child destruction, grievous bodily harm with intent, non-fatal strangulation, false imprisonment, and perverting the course of justice following a nine-day trial. Hull Crown Court heard how he attacked the girl over a four-hour period on March 13 this year. Then, despite initially refusing to let her leave, Marin made the 17-year-old girl get dressed in clean clothes before forcing her to get out of the flat where the assault took place, knowing her family would soon become concerned that she had not returned home or made contact.
CCTV footage captured Marin walking the victim to the top of an alleyway and leaving her there, “showing no thought or care for what would happen to her”. Before leaving, he “threatened her not to tell anyone what had happened, warning that he would harm both her and her family if she did”.
The girl, who was 29 weeks pregnant, was found collapsed in the street by a member of the public at around 10.20pm where she was bleeding and barely conscious. Police discovered she had severe facial injuries and was rushed to hospital where it was found she had suffered a broken nose and “significant trauma” to her body.
Scans tragically revealed her baby had died. Just days earlier, the baby had been confirmed healthy with no complications.
Officers attended Marin’s home address and found it had been cleaned, with a strong smell of bleach throughout. The victim’s discarded clothing was found outside the property. Marin was arrested at an address in Great Thornton Street on March 14.
During the court hearing, a statement was read out on behalf of the victim by Detective Sergeant Nathan Francis, of Humberside Police, who supervised the investigation, saying: “What happened to me was something no one should ever have to go through. I was beaten for hours and suffered injuries that permanently changed my life – but the greatest pain of all was losing my baby boy.
“I’ve had to find strength I never knew I had, and while nothing can bring my baby back, I hope that by speaking out, I can help others who are living with abuse realise there is a way out and that they are not alone. I want to thank the doctors, nurses, the police, and most of all my family and friends who have supported me throughout this long journey.
“This verdict means that my son’s life has been acknowledged and although his loss is something I will never get over, I will live in comfort hoping his legacy can help others, by inspiring positive changes in the law for victims and that justice has finally been served for both of us.”
Leading the Domestic Abuse Safeguarding Investigation Team, Detective Chief Inspector Jon Cross said: “This was a deeply disturbing, violent, and harrowing attack on a vulnerable young girl, which resulted in the unfathomable loss of her child that was just weeks away from being born. Marin’s actions were calculated and utterly inhumane.
“After subjecting her to hours of sustained violence, he then left her alone in the street, knowing full well the extent of her injuries. That level of disregard for her life and wellbeing is truly appalling.
“He showed no remorse throughout the investigation, offering only ‘no comment’ as an answer when questioned about the violence during interviews. Marin’s decision to deny all charges and force the girl and her family to relive her grief and devastation in court was not only cowardly, but cruel.
“We have worked meticulously to secure the evidence and build a case that ensured Marin was held accountable. The girl’s immense courage and resilience throughout the investigation and court proceedings has been nothing short of remarkable, and I want to personally commend her for her strength and bravery.
“This conviction is also significant for Humberside Police. It marks the first of its kind within our force area and reflects our continued commitment to pursuing justice for those who have suffered at the hands of abusers.
“Domestic abuse in any form is completely and utterly unacceptable. We urge anyone experiencing abuse, or who suspects someone may be at risk, to contact us. Help is available, and we will do everything we can to hold offenders like Marin to account for their actions.”
Edmund Hall, Senior Crown Prosecutor from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said: “This was a brutal crime, where the defendant viciously assaulted not only a young girl, but also a defenceless unborn baby. The CPS carefully considered the evidence and a further charge of child destruction, a rarely committed offence, which was authorised and added to the indictment.
“The CPS thanks Humberside Police for a thorough investigation, and above all the girl herself, who has displayed courage far beyond her years in giving evidence to obtain justice for her unborn baby.”
Marin is due to be sentenced at Hull Crown Court at a later date.