DEVON MAN JAILED FOR DECADES-OLD CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT

A man named Brian Furneaux, aged 66 and residing in Ipplepen, has been convicted of serious sexual offences committed in Devon during the 1990s. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday, October 3rd, after being found guilty of multiple charges. The court confirmed that Furneaux faced two charges of rape and nine charges of sexual assault of a girl under the age of 16. The victim, a woman who was raped approximately 30 years ago when she was 15, came forward following Furneaux's arrest in 2021. Devon and Cornwall Police stated the incidents occurred in various locations in Devon during the 1990s. The woman described her experience as a long and difficult process but urged other victims to come forward, saying, "You will be supported and heard." The prosecution outlined that Furneaux groomed the teenager prior to sexually assaulting and raping her, and he was convicted on all charges after a trial despite pleading not guilty. Furneaux was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for life and will be barred from working with children. The judge emphasized her bravery, stating, "You hoped the past would remain uncovered but did not count on her bravery." The victim expressed gratitude towards Devon and Cornwall Police, especially officers DC Tamsyn Dingley and DC Deborah Ward, and said her primary motive was to protect others. Furneaux's previous trial had ended without a verdict, but this conviction marks his second face-off with justice regarding these offences.