Man raped 13-year-old schoolgirl after persuading her to go back to his flat
Fortune Aragua was held by the victim's mother until the police arrived
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A "dangerous sexual predator" who raped a schoolgirl after persuading her to go back to his flat has been given an eight-year prison sentence.
Fortune Aragua from Stockwell in south London, approached the girl, who was wearing her uniform, as she started to walk home on 10 February.
The 25-year-old, who also goes by the name Izevbigie Sylvester, pestered her for her contact details.
Although she told him, she was only 13, he persisted and eventually persuaded her to go back to his flat.
Upon entering, he immediately locked the front door and offered the girl a drink, which she refused. Then he started kissing her.
When his landlady returned home, he hid the teenager in his bedroom where he sexually assaulted her.
Despite her protests, he carried on and raped her before releasing her.
On her return home, she told her mother about her ordeal. Her mother then went to Mr Aragua’s door and detained him until the police arrived and arrested him.
Aragua is a dangerous sexual predator who targeted and took advantage of a vulnerable young girl for his own satisfaction," said Detective Constable Gregg Nicol from Scotland Yard's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command.
“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."
Aragua denied raping and sexually assaulting the victim and claiming he had only helped her when she appeared unwell outside his block of flats.
But investigators found the victim’s DNA on Mr Aragua and his clothing, including inside his boxer shorts.
As well as his prison sentence, Aragua will be put on the Sex Offenders Register for life.