VETONDOUUA KARIUA SHOCKS GLOUCESTER WITH RAPE OF WOMAN IN CORNWALL AFTER NIGHT OUT
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Vetondouua Kariua, a 27-year-old man from Gloucestershire, was convicted of raping a woman in Cornwall after a night of heavy drinking.The incident occurred on October 23, 2021, and the details revealed during the trial paint a harrowing picture of assault and betrayal.
According to court proceedings, the victim, who was enjoying a night out with a friend in a seaside village, had consumed a significant amount of alcohol, rating her intoxication at nine out of ten on the drunkenness scale.
The pair later took a taxi into Truro to continue their evening, visiting popular venues such as Bunters and Vanilla.
CCTV footage outside Vanilla showed Kariua, who was also out that night with a friend, engaging in flirtatious behavior with the victim, including chatting and holding hands.
The victim and her friend eventually went to Kariua’s accommodation, where the night continued.
As the night progressed, the victim’s friend left the premises early in the morning due to work commitments.
It was during this time that the assault took place.
Nigel Wraith, representing the prosecution, described how the victim awoke to find herself in a vulnerable state, having been raped while she was unconscious.
She was found naked from the waist down, lying in bed with Kariua on top of her, engaging in sexual activity.
Despite her pleas for him to stop, Kariua continued, leaving her feeling pinned down and unable to move.
The victim managed to gather her clothing and leave the residence, visibly distressed and shaken.
Following the incident, the victim was picked up by her father, crying and visibly upset.
In the days that followed, Kariua sent her text messages, including apologies and expressions of concern, such as “text me when you’re home please, sorry you had to leave” and “good morning beautiful, hope you arrived safe.” It was later revealed that Kariua, who was then a failed asylum seeker awaiting deportation, handed himself into police authorities in Gloucester a few days after the assault.
Despite denying any sexual contact with the victim, DNA evidence collected from a swab confirmed his involvement.
During sentencing, Judge Simon Carr recounted the events of that night and emphasized the profound impact on the victim.
He stated, “The effect on her has been dramatic.
She has gone from a confident professional woman to someone who rarely goes out.
She struggles to form relationships as she fears a breach of trust.
She thought she met someone she was safe with but this couldn’t have been further from the truth.” As a result, Kariua was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Additionally, he is required to sign the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions related to his conduct.
