In 2022, a young woman, raped by Tosanwumi Edukugho, the Plymouth Rapist, a guy almost twice her age, stated that she had “scrubbed her skin until it was red raw” and feels as though she has “lost” the girl she was before the assault.
British Guest, Tosanwumi Edukugho, 40, of Sea View Terrace, Plymouth, received a nine-year sentence after being convicted of what the judge characterised as an “opportunistic rape” of a 17-year-old female.
Plymouth Crown Court was informed that Tosanwumi Edukugho rendered the girl “numb,” “used,” “disgusted with herself,” and “deprived of confidence.” After the incident, the court was informed that she contemplated the value of her existence and descended into profound despair.
The incident occurred on Sunday, June 14, 2020, and the court was informed that the girl had consumed Xanax, cocaine, and MDMA, the latter of which was provided by Tosanwumi Edukugho, also known as Michael.
Plymouth man charged with rape following incident in the city.
Last week, a jury convicted Tosanwumi Edukugho, aged 37, of raping a 17-year-old girl. Tosanwumi Edukugho, aware that the girl had already consumed Xanax and cocaine, administered MDMA to her and thereafter provided additional doses in his bedroom.
The girl, defined as being “out of it” throughout the assault, then regained consciousness to discover Tosanwumi Edukugho engaging in sexual intercourse with her. A female cab driver who collected the girl post-attack noted that the young woman seemed to be in a “catatonic state.”
Prosecutor Nigel Wraith presented a summary of the victim’s statement, detailing the profound impact the assault had on the girl. The young woman expressed that she believed Tosanwumi Edukugho did not comprehend the gravity of his conduct.
She expressed that after the assault, she felt “numb,” “used,” “disgusted with herself,” and “deprived of confidence.” She stated that she has subsequently experienced problems in trusting men, and for a period, any physical contact made her feel “physically ill” and induced fear.
The court was informed that she disclosed she would “shower for hours” and scrub her skin “until it was red and raw.” She stated, “The most sorrowful aspect was the loss of my former self and my family enduring this ordeal alongside me.” She said she would have to “endure this for the remainder of my life.”
In mitigation, his counsel, Kelly Scrivener, stated that during his brief incarceration, Edukugho had the opportunity for introspection and remarked, “I must confront the life I lived.” She said that Tosanwumi Edukugho was the “first to acknowledge” that he had not exemplified a model life, having been involved in drug use and previously incarcerated for drug-related offences.
She stated that Edukugho experienced a tumultuous childhood in London, when he was “caught between two worlds” as a victim of domestic abuse perpetrated by his mother at home. Ms Scrivener stated that while incarcerated, Tosanwumi Edukugho has faced threats, verbal abuse, and derogatory remarks owing to the nature of his offence, making him immediately distinguishable among the predominantly white inmate population.
He contemplated transferring to another prison but preferred to remain local to be near his new partner, harbouring optimism for a future together.
In sentencing the 40-year-old, Judge Peter Johnson acknowledged Tosanwumi Edukugho’s “unhappy life” in the past. Still, he said that he had also “led something of a hedonistic lifestyle” and noted that the location of the rape was “a magnet for young females” where drug use occurred.
He observed that Tosanwumi Edukugho was “more than twice her age” and had perpetrated a “opportunistic rape” against a vulnerable young woman. He stated that four hours later, a taxi driver discovered the girl in an “almost catatonic state and difficult to rouse,” prompting the driver to document this information at that moment due to anxiety.
Judge Johnson stated that he considered the girl’s victim impact statement, in which she articulated the significant repercussions on her future, noting that she had “lost the final stages of her childhood.”
Considering the facts submitted in court and the aggravating circumstances, he imposed a sentence of nine years. He stated that Tosanwumi Edukugho would serve two-thirds of the sentence and be released after six years, but would remain on license for three more years.
He stated that Tosanwumi Edukugho would be permanently on the Sex Offenders Register.
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