AXMINSTER: Man jailed for nine-and-a-half years
A man has been jailed for the attempted rape of a young girl in Devon.
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.
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
2nd May 2024
CHAGFORD: Burglary, Chagford
Devon & Cornwall Police investigating a report of a burglary in Chagford on Sunday 23 June are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
It was reported that between 6am and 7am on Sunday 23 June a property on The Square, Chagford, was accessed via the front door.
A green electric push bike was taken from the property.
Officers are investigating the incident and asking for anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity on The Square around that time to contact them.
If you witnessed the incident or have any information or dashcam footage that could help with enquiries, please contact police via our website here or by calling 101 quoting reference number 50240153661.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.
If you have been affected by crime, please visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
25th June 2024
HONITON: Serious road traffic collision, Honiton
Devon & Cornwall Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a serious road traffic collision in Honiton on Friday 21 June.
Emergency services were called at around 7.30pm to Sidmouth Road where it was reported that a collision involving a silver Vauxhall Meriva had taken place.
As a result, three occupants of the car were taken to hospital. The driver is believed to have suffered minor injuries but the two passengers, a man and a woman both in their 80s and from the local area, remain in hospital having sustained serious injuries.
The road was closed while an investigation was carried out at the scene.
Officers from the Roads Policing team would like to thank the public for their patience whilst the road was closed.
Anyone with any relevant information or dash-cam footage which may assist the investigation is asked to contact police via our website or by calling 101 quoting log 789 of 21 June.
24th June 2024
PORTREATH: Appeal following sexual assault in Portreath
Devon & Cornwall Detectives investigating a report of rape in Portreath are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to get in touch.
The incident happened on the coast path at North Cliffs near Bassett Cove at approximately 6pm on Wednesday 19 June.
Officers received reports that a woman was sexually assaulted by an unknown man. After the incident, he left the scene walking in the direction of Godrevy.
He is described as white, approximately 6ft tall, of a slim build with dark brown hair which was approximately two inches long. He was wearing a dark coloured short sleeve tee-shirt, dark jeans, and dark trainers.
Detective Inspector Dan McKenzie said: “The woman is currently being supported by specially trained officers.
“Our enquiries remain ongoing into this incident, and I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything which may assist our investigation to get in touch.
“Anyone who may have seen this man, or anyone who has any information about this incident to please contact the police on 101 quoting 50240152507.”
24th June 2024
LAUNCESTON: Fatal collision, A30 near Launceston
Devon & Cornwall Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a serious road traffic collision on the A30 near Launceston.
Officers were called to the area of Plusha, near to Bodmin Moor Services, on Thursday 2 May at around 10.25pm.
Police, fire, ambulance and Cornwall Air Ambulance all attended the scene where two cars were involved - a Range Rover Evoque and a Honda Civic.
Sadly, a 38-year-old man, who was travelling in the Honda died at the scene. His next of kin are aware. Three other people travelling in the vehicle were taken to Derriford Hospital, including one casualty in a serious condition.
The driver of the Honda, a 45-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He remains in police custody at this time.
The two people from the Range Rover were taken to Treliske Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
Officers from Devon and Cornwall Roads Policing Team attended the incident and carried out a detailed investigation of the scene. Some cordons remain in place while emergency services are still in attendance.
Anyone with any relevant information or dash-cam footage which may assist the investigation is asked to contact police via our website or by calling 101 quoting reference log 864 of 02/05/24.
3rd May 2024
NORTH DEVON: Update: Substances identified following tests after medical incident in North Devon
Tests carried out on the substances seized in the North Devon area over last weekend revealed that they contained nitazenes, which are a banned synthetic opioid.
North and West Devon local policing area commander Superintendent Toby Davies said: “The substances have now been tested and found to contain nitazenes, which are incredibly dangerous.
“We believe there is no wider threat to the community and that the substance found on Friday has been contained.
“We are aware that our health partners are working with local drug users in a bid to safeguard them as much as possible.”
A man in his 30s from Westward Ho! died as a result of taking the substance on Friday and a second man in his 40s, from South Molton, who had earlier been admitted to hospital, died late on Saturday – believed to be as a result of taking the same substance.
Two men and two women were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of a controlled substance on Saturday.
A fifth person, a man, was arrested on the same grounds on Sunday.
All five have now been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Enquiries are ongoing.
3rd May 2024
TIVERTON: Sex offender from Tiverton jailed
A Tiverton man deemed a danger to girls has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years for sexual offences against two teenage victims.
Fenton Clapp admitted a total of 13 charges including sexual activity with a child, assault by penetration and taking indecent images of a child.
The 20-year-old was also convicted of being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs and theft and was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court.
He was placed on to the Sex Offenders Register and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting ten years.
Clapp was also given six restraining orders.
The court heard how he poses a danger to underage girls.
In an impact statement read to the court, one victim said Clapp’s actions had left her traumatised and feeling manipulated.
Another victim said: "Because of that man I've got so many scars. I get memories of that night all because he couldn't keep his hands to himself. He will never change. I hope he pays for everything he has done."
Through extensive phone analysis, detectives also discovered that Clapp had a significant trade selling cocaine, MDMA and ketamine.
Detective Constable Andrew Stacey said: “We welcome the sentence which would not have been possible without the victims' courage and support throughout the investigation.
“Clapp is a dangerous and manipulative young man with absolutely no regard for the individuals he hurt. He was given a damning pre-sentence report by probation services which the judge accepted resulted in Clapp being given extra time in prison.
“I hope the sentencing outcome brings a sense of closure for all of the victims involved in this case as they move forward with their lives.”
Clapp was sentenced on 30 April.
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:
National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
Victim Care Unit (Devon and Cornwall) 01392 475900
Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
Victim care: If you have been affected by crime, please visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
3rd May 2024
TORQUAY: Tribute following fatal collision in Torquay
Tributes have been paid to a motorcyclist who died in a collision in Torquay on 16 April.
Family of Lee Craven, who was 43 and from Lancashire, has been described him as a ‘very much loved dad, son and fiancé’.
Emergency services were called to Teignmouth Road at around 7.40pm on Tuesday 16 April. The collision involved a motorcycle and a Citroen car.
Mr Craven was pronounced deceased at the scene.
His family has provided the following statement: "The family would very much appreciate their privacy at this time, Lee was a very much-loved dad, son and fiancé. He will be greatly missed by all."
3rd May 2024
TRURO: Serious sexual assault, Truro
Devon & Cornwall Police Officers are appealing for four key witnesses following a serious sexual assault which happened on the grounds of Truro Cathedral.
The incident happened sometime between 11.30pm on Friday 15 March and 12.30am on Saturday 16 March.
DC Amanda Gilbert said: “Police received reports that a woman had been sexually assaulted on the grounds of the cathedral when on a night out with friends.
“A group of young males, who were close to where the incident took place, alerted the victim’s friends by calling them over telling them that the victim needed their help.
“We wish to identify these boys as we believe they may have information which could help us with our investigation.
“The group of males are described as being around 16 to 17-years-old and were wearing grey jogging bottoms, three of the boys had dark/black coats on. The fourth boy had an orange jacket on with a sling bag over his shoulder. The boys all had similar light/brown hair which was thicker on top and short on the sides.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police via our website or by calling 101 quoting 50240067481.”
Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
2nd May 2024
This news story has been produced by Chesil Radio's News Team, for more information please visit: https://www.chesilradio.com