Man jailed for 17 years and four months after stabbing woman in Aberfan

A man who tried to murder a woman has been jailed for 17 years and four months for attempted murder and stalking.

Daniel Mihai Popescu, 29, of no fixed abode, was sentenced today to 17 years and four months in prison for the savage attack in Aberfan last December. He launched the assault on his 29-year-old victim in the middle of a street and repeatedly stabbed her which left her with injuries to her body.

Officers were called just before 9.10am on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, with a report that a woman had been stabbed on Moy Road, Aberfan, Merthyr. Daniel Popescu had immediately left the scene. At 3.50pm that afternoon he was arrested in the Merthyr area on suspicion of attempted murder.

The victim, who was known to Daniel Popescu, was taken to hospital but was discharged the next day. 

Daniel Popescu had appeared in Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, April 4, and pleaded guilty to attempted murder and also admitted to stalking offences.

Detective Inspector James Morris said:

“Daniel Popescu armed himself with a knife and lay in wait for his victim before launching a senseless and sustained act of violence in the middle of the street. I can only imagine the fear she must have felt and the impact this disturbing incident has had on her.

“It is clear from the sheer vicious and sustained force he used that his intention was to kill her.

“The strength and bravery of the victim in supporting this prosecution has been extraordinary. Unsurprisingly she remains psychologically scarred as a result of the incident, but I know that, thanks to her courage, Daniel Popescu will be unable to harm any further women. I hope that today’s sentence will bring at least a degree of closure for her.

“I must also commend the actions of the courageous member of the public for their bravery in running to help the victim after the attack.”

The Live Fear Free Helpline provide help and advice to anyone experiencing domestic violence or abuse, or anyone, including a friend or family member, who knows someone who needs help.

They can be contacted on 0808 80 10 800, or [email protected]. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.