Man jailed for rape of 14-year-old girl in Aberdeen City Centre

A man has today, Wednesday, 18 March, 2026, been sentenced to 12 years in prison for the rape of a 14-year-old girl in Aberdeen.

Victor Popa, 35, attacked the girl during the early hours of Sunday, 15 January, 2023 in the Gordon's Mills Place area.

Working as a delivery driver and a stranger to the girl, he offered her the safety of a lift home, however attacked her within his vehicle.

Following a significant police investigation to identify him, he was arrested two days later and subsequently charged.

Popa went on trial in January 2026 and was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh. At the same court today, he was jailed and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Detective Chief Inspector Steven McDonald said: “This incident was extremely frightening for the girl who simply wanted to get home. Popa is a dangerous individual who posed a risk to women and girls and preyed on this young girl’s vulnerability.

“We remain committed to working with our partners to create a society where women and girls live free from violence, abuse, exploitation and harassment. Where offences are reported, we will respond with swift and robust investigations by specially trained officers.

“I’d like to thank the girl for her courage throughout and to her family for their support during our investigation.”