SUDA EPUNA SENTENCED IN HULL FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF 15-YEAR-OLD BOY
In November 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving a woman from Hull who engaged in a series of inappropriate and illegal sexual activities with a minor she met through social media.The woman, identified as Suda Epuna, was 29 years old at the time she first made contact with the young boy, who was only 15.
Over the course of their interactions, which spanned several months, Epuna systematically groomed the boy, exchanging sexually explicit messages and videos, and ultimately engaging in sexual acts with him on multiple occasions.
The case was brought before Hull Crown Court, where Epuna, residing at Maye Grove, Sculcoates Lane, Hull, admitted to multiple serious charges.
These included engaging in sexual activity with a child, attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child, and attempting to communicate sexually with a minor.
The court heard harrowing details of her conduct, including an incident where her own daughter was present at her home during a sexual encounter with the victim.
Prosecutor Stephen Robinson outlined the timeline of events, revealing that Epuna initiated contact with the boy via social media in August 2019.
She falsely claimed to be 29 years old and quickly invited him to her residence.
During their initial meeting, she inquired if he was a virgin, and upon learning that he was, she asked him to smoke cannabis with her.
The court was told that Epuna then hugged and kissed the boy, asked him to touch her, and took him upstairs to have sex.
Despite the boy eventually revealing his true age, Epuna continued their relationship without hesitation.
Text message exchanges between the two revealed a disturbing pattern of affection and secrecy.
The victim expressed love for Epuna, and she responded by insisting they must keep their relationship hidden until he was of legal age—either 16 or 17.
She expressed fears of imprisonment if others discovered their relationship, stating, “If people know I am with you, prison.” The court also learned that during this period, the victim’s grandmother was hospitalized and aware of her grandson’s contact with Epuna.
She had intended to intervene and speak with Epuna after her discharge, but tragically, she passed away before she could do so.
The victim had even asked Epuna to have her copper coil contraceptive removed so he could impregnate her, to which she responded that she had an appointment, but later told him she did not want him to become a father at such a young age.
Further disturbing details emerged from their conversations, including discussions about sexual positions and the sharing of pornographic images.
Their communication ceased in September 2019 when the victim expressed that he could no longer continue, fearing he might cause trouble for Epuna.
She responded by saying she was heartbroken.
In a statement read aloud in court, the victim described feeling embarrassed and manipulated, emphasizing his youth and inexperience, and accusing Epuna of taking advantage of his naivety during a vulnerable time.
Defense lawyer David Godfrey acknowledged Epuna’s remorse, noting that her daughter had been taken from her care as a consequence of her actions.
Judge David Tremberg addressed Epuna directly, stating, “It became clear the victim was only 15.
You said if people found out you could go to prison, you went into it with your eyes wide open.
You used him for your own sexual gratification.
You left him feeling embarrassed.” Ultimately, the court sentenced Suda Epuna to 32 months in prison for her crimes, reflecting the severity of her actions and the harm caused to the young victim.
The case underscores the dangers of online grooming and the importance of safeguarding minors from exploitation and abuse.
