A Bedford man has been jailed for more than five years after attempting to rape a woman following a night out with friends.
Carlton Lancelot-Mungofa, 27, known to the victim only as Carlito, sexually assaulted and attempted to rape her at a house in January 2021.
The woman immediately contacted her mother and disclosed what had happened, and police were informed shortly afterwards. Lancelot-Mungofa, of Eastnor Gardens in Bedford, was identified and arrested.
Following an investigation by Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, he was convicted of attempted rape after a four-day trial. The jury deliberated for just two and a half hours before returning a guilty verdict.
He was sentenced at Luton Crown Court today (Thursday) to five and a half years in prison.
Life on pause
In her personal statement, the victim described the long-term emotional impact of the attack.
“When all this happened, I lost what I thought was a good part of my life surrounded by friends, going out, having drinks, and just enjoying life.
“Nights out were always full of laughter and never ended badly, until the night everything changed. After that happened, it felt like I lost all of it. The people I was closest to started seeing me differently, as if that one moment defined me.
“I will never get that time back. My life has felt like it has been on pause, and I do not know if it will ever be the same again or if I will ever fully recover from this.”
Victim’s courage
Detective Sergeant Joanna Tyrrell said, “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim, and I want to commend her courage in coming forward and supporting the investigation.
“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Lancelot-Mungofa’s actions and sends a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure those who commit violent and predatory offences against women are brought to justice.
“We would encourage anyone who has been the victim of rape or serious sexual assault to come forward, safe in the knowledge that they will be treated with sympathy and respect and given the support they need.”
Information about reporting violence against women and girls can be found on the Bedfordshire Police website.
Update: This article was updated on 6 March 2026 at 10.27am to add the defendant’s last known address.
