Jailed for raping 13-year-old

A man who raped a 13-year-old schoolgirl after persuading her to go back to his flat has been jailed.

Fortune Aragua, 25, (21.12.91) of Paradise Road, Stockwell - who also uses the alias Izevbigie Sylvester - was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on Tuesday, 17 October, to eight years' imprisonment. He will also be made to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Aragua was convicted at Inner London Crown Court on 10 August of rape, attempted rape and the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl.

On Friday, 10 February, the 13-year-old victim and her friend returned home from school. After spending some time playing at home, the girls, still dressed in their school uniform, walked to the shops. The victim then left alone and started walking home when she was approached in Paradise Road by a man, unknown to her, who started to chat to her and asked for her contact details.

The victim told the man, later identified as Aragua, that she was only 13 but he ignored this and persuaded her to go back to his flat. Upon entering the flat, Aragua immediately locked the front door and offered the victim a drink, but she refused.

Aragua then started kissing the victim but was interrupted by his landlady returning home, causing him to hide the victim inside his bedroom, locking her inside until the landlady left.

Aragua returned to his bedroom where he then sexually assaulted the victim. Despite her protests, Aragua carried on and he then raped her before releasing her.

The victim got dressed and returned home immediately where her mother noticed she was distressed. The victim disclosed what happened to her mother, who then went to Aragua's front door and upon it being opened she detained him until the police arrived and arrested him.

Aragua was charged on 12 February.

Throughout the trial, Aragua denied raping and sexually assaulting the victim. He said he had only ever seen the victim shortly before he was arrested when she appeared to be unwell outside his block of flats. He claimed that he offered his assistance before returning home alone.

The victim's DNA was found on Aragua and on his clothing, including inside his boxer shorts - but he said that the DNA was from him helping her outside his block of flats.

However, the jury did not believe him and he was convicted.

DC Gregg Nicol, the Investigating Officer from the Met's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, said: "I am pleased with this sentence which reflects the seriousness of Aragua's crimes.

"Aragua is a dangerous sexual predator who targeted and took advantage of a vulnerable young girl for his own satisfaction.

"I would like to praise the victim for her bravery and courage in reporting this heinous crime to the police and for giving evidence at court which ensured Aragua was brought to justice. I hope this sentence will give her some measure of comfort and closure."