A pre-inquest review has been held surrounding the death of a serial rapist who died in prison days after he was jailed.

Vasile Nastase, from Romania, raped a woman he met at a nightclub and dragged her into his home on Findley Street in Leigh in November 2018.

His 41-year-old victim met him at Est 1899 on Railway Road before walking back to his home together.

Nastase pleaded guilty to rape and was given a life sentence on August 27, 2019.

The court heard how, in his home country, Nastase had served two prison sentences for raping women he had met at discos.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Chris Waddicar, of Wigan police, said: “Nastase preyed on the victim and subjected her to a horrifying ordeal.

“Following his arrest, Nastase showing despicable contempt for the victim by continuously denying the offence, but his lies were uncovered following forensic enquiries and he was subsequently charged.

“I’d like to praise the bravery of the victim throughout the case and I hope this sentence brings her some comfort knowing the person responsible is behind bars.”

Four days later on September 1, 2019, paramedics were sent to HMP Forest Bank in Pendlebury, where Nastase was serving his sentence after suffering a stab wound to the neck.

It was reported that he died in the back of an ambulance.

Following his death a prison and probations ombudsman report was among the documents that was ordered to be filed.

But there has been a disagreement over recommendations made in the report and that has yet to be formally submitted to Bolton Coroner’s Court.

On January 26 this year, coroner Peter Sigee asked for evidence to be submitted.

But in a pre-inquest hearing on Wednesday, the court was told the prison and probations ombudsman report had not yet been completed.

Catriona Combe, of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, apologised for the delay in the report being finished.

The report is expected to be presented to Mr Sigee by September 30 with a decision on when the full inquest takes place set to be made later this year, along with a list of witnesses who will be called upon.