Man in court for raping a woman, exposing herself on a train and sexually abusing a prison guard

A man has to stand trial for allegedly attacking and raping a woman in a doorway in the city center.

Mihai-Nicolae Patran is also accused of exposing himself on a train, soliciting another woman for sex in exchange for money and sexually harassing a prison officer.

The 33-year-old – represented by his KC Donald Findlay – denied the allegations on Wednesday at a hearing before the High Court in Glasgow.

He is alleged to have raped a woman in the city's Mitchell Street on November 26 last year.

It is alleged that he grabbed her and dragged her into a doorway.

The prosecution claims that Patran prevented her from leaving. He allegedly groped and touched the woman inappropriately and then raped her.

According to the prosecution, she suffered injuries.

Patran was previously accused of exposing himself to another woman on a train between Perth and Stirling on October 22, 2023.

He then allegedly put another woman into a state of “fear or panic” when she was accused of “offering her sex for money” on Buchanan Street in Glasgow on November 25.

Patran is eventually charged in court a few days later with sexually assaulting a prison guard, including alleging that he rubbed her thigh.

Mr Findlay said at the hearing: “He pleads not guilty to the four charges.

“The case is ready to go to trial.”

In connection with the rape charge, a special defence principle relating to consent was raised.

A Romanian interpreter will probably be needed for each process.

Lord Clark has scheduled the trial to begin in October 2025. The case could last about seven days.