FRIDAY UGUROU

EXETER MAN JAILED FOR ATTEMPTING TO RAPE YOUNG GIRL IN DEVON

A man from Exeter has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison after attempting to rape a young girl in Devon.

The offender, Friday Ugurou, aged 50, attacked the victim in Axminster.

He was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court today, Thursday, May 2, to nine-and-a-half years in prison.

During the trial, the court was told how Ugurou tried to rape the victim upstairs in a property before being disturbed.

He then stopped the attack and pleaded with her not to tell anyone.

Ugurou was arrested and questioned by police but fled the county while the investigation was ongoing.

He continued to evade justice, causing the victim further distress and psychological harm.

At trial, Ugurou claimed he was set-up, a claim that was rejected by the jury.

A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Friday Ugurou, aged 50 and formally of Exeter, attacked the victim in Axminster.

He was jailed today, Thursday 2 May, to nine-and-a-half years at Exeter Crown Court." Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Jonathan Stephens from the Local Safeguarding Investigation Team said: "I welcome the result and I am grateful for the courage and resilience shown by the victim and witnesses in this case, and for supporting this investigation over a protracted period of time.

I hope this case reassures the community how seriously the police take reports of child sexual offences and gives people the courage to come forward in future." There are many support agencies across Devon and Cornwall ready to assist victims of rape or sexual assault.

For more information, support services are available via police links and hotlines.