Devon & Cornwall Police News site

A man has been jailed for the attempted rape of a young girl in Devon.

Friday Ugurou, aged 50 and formerly of Exeter, attacked the victim in Axminster. He was jailed today, Thursday 2 May, to nine-and-a-half years at Exeter Crown Court.

During the trial the court heard how Ugurou attempted to rape the victim upstairs in a property before being disturbed. He then stopped the attack and begged her not to tell anyone.

Ugurou was arrested and interviewed but left the county while the investigation was ongoing. He continued to evade justice, causing the victim further distress and psychological harm. At trial he claimed he was set-up, an account that was dismissed by the jury.

Following the sentencing, DC 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.”

Support available

If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.

You can also report information and crimes on our website.

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There are lots of organisations and support agencies available across Devon and Cornwall that can help provide support.

For more information on rape and serious sexual assault and the support services available, please visit our support pages by clicking here.

Advice and support is also offered by our partner agencies:

•  0808 802 9999
• Victim Care Unit (Devon and Cornwall) 01392 475900
• Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626