Man sentenced to seven years in prison and lifetime on the sex offenders register

Last week a 41-year-old man was sentenced to seven years in prison and life on the sex offenders register after being convicted of sexual assault and rape while on an army base.

Serupepeli Niubusaga, of Aaron Road, South Cerney and who was Army Personnel faced a week-long trial at Bristol Crown Court for one count of sexual assault and one count of rape.

The court heard how the victim had been attending a BBQ at the army regiment, South Cerney on the evening of Saturday 26 May 2018 which Niubusaga also attended.

Later that evening the woman went home and found Niubusaga there and she recognised him from the BBQ earlier in the evening.

The court heard how they sat on the sofa and talked before he sexually assaulted her and raped her.

Last Monday 6 July the jury delivered a guilty majority verdict at 4.09pm and Niubusaga was sentenced minutes later to seven years in prison and life on the sex offenders register.

This was a re-trial as the first trial on the 29 October last year resulted in a hung jury.

Simone Bowley, Detective Constable in the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Team lead the case and said: "The victim showed tremendous courage not only in reporting the offence but having the strength to give evidence for a second time.

"Her bravery is to be commended and I hope that reading her victim personal statement to the court let those see the detrimental effect this offence has had on her and gave her the closure she deserves.

"The sentencing reflects the serious nature of the crime committed and I hope that this positive outcome will encourage others to report, knowing that they will be taken seriously and be provided with the resources to support them and get them through what is a difficult and lengthy process."

Following on from the sentencing the victim in the case said: "I was pleased with the sentencing. To know that all of the hard work that was put in was worth it - it was a relief. So I was really pleased.

"I cannot thank the police enough. My officer Simone Bowley was just amazing. I don’t think I could have got through it without her. She was the most comforting; she was honest and up-front with me throughout.

"I was always able to contact her even if it wasn’t anything especially important, if I was just feeling a bit worried or upset. I just can’t thank her enough for everything that she did.

"Throughout the court process the witness care unit were really fantastic. They were just an amazing service to be on hand and to just make sure we were looked after."

If you have been a victim of rape or a sexual assault, no matter how recent, please report this to police by calling 101. In the case of an emergency, call 999.

Support is also available here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/