A man has been jailed after he was convicted of raping a woman while she was sleeping.

Emeka Ugoh, 33 of Norbury House, Oldham, was convicted by a jury that took just 90 minutes to deliver a guilty verdict at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday, February 13.

During the trial, the court heard how on New Year’s Eve 2017, Ugoh stayed the night at a friend’s house in Edmonton after they had been to a New Year celebration.

The victim, a 20-year-old woman, also stayed the night at the house.

During the night, on two occasions, Ugoh had attempted to have sex with the victim. On both occasions she clearly said no and sent him away.

However, on the morning of New Year’s Day 2018, the victim awoke to find Ugoh raping her.

She reported the incident to police.

Ugoh was charged by postal requisition on June 25, 2019.

He appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on August 14, 2019 where he pleaded not guilty and was released on bail pending the trial at Wood Green Crown Court.

Ugoh was sentenced to nine years in jail on Friday, February 14.

He also received an additional 28-day sentence for failing to surrender.

Detective Constable Rob Bushell, investigating said: “Even though Ugoh knew that the victim did not want to have sex with him, he decided to take advantage of her being asleep in order to rape her.

“Thanks to the strength and patience of the victim in supporting this investigation, we have successfully removed a dangerous offender from the community.

“I urge anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to contact police without delay so that at the very least, they can be supported.”