BRIAN CHIWANDA FROM GORTON SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS FOR RAPE IN BURY

In a case that has shocked the local community, a man identified as Brian Chiwanda, aged 31, from Essoldo Close in Gorton, has been sentenced to a total of seven years in prison following his conviction for multiple serious sexual offenses. The crimes took place during a party held in Bury, where Chiwanda was found guilty of raping a vulnerable teenage girl, as well as assault by penetration and sexual assault.

Chiwanda’s arrest and subsequent trial drew significant attention from the Bolton Crown Court. The incident occurred on July 17, 2011, at a flat on Sunny Bank Road, where the defendant initially denied all allegations. However, evidence presented during the trial painted a disturbing picture of the events that transpired that night.

Prosecutor Daniel Calder detailed that the victim, a 16-year-old girl, had arrived at the party in a state of intoxication. Witnesses observed her engaging in consensual sexual activity with another man shortly after her arrival. It was evident that she was heavily under the influence of alcohol, and possibly drugs, which impaired her ability to give genuine consent.

According to court reports, the girl later retreated to one of the bedrooms at the party. Chiwanda followed her and, in a move that was described as predatory, barricaded the door behind him. Other partygoers, hearing noises from the room, became suspicious and eventually discovered what was happening inside.

Initially, Chiwanda claimed that the girl had consented to the sexual acts. However, as witnesses prepared to testify against him, he changed his pleas, admitting to the charges. The court heard that the girl was unable to consent due to a “cocktail of drink and drugs,” which significantly impaired her judgment and ability to resist.

Shirlie Duckworth, representing Chiwanda, argued that the defendant had taken advantage of the teenager, emphasizing that drugs and alcohol played a role in facilitating the offences. The court was also informed that Chiwanda, originally from Zimbabwe, had moved to England with his partner, with whom he has a child. The couple has since separated.

Judge Peter Davies delivered the sentence, expressing his concern over the vulnerability of the victim. He stated, “She was of the age where she needed protection from somebody like you. You deliberately put yourself in the position of control where you thought you wouldn’t be disturbed and knew she couldn’t resist. The psychological impact cannot be measured and may never be measured.”

Chiwanda was sentenced to seven years for the rape conviction. Additionally, he received a two-year sentence for sexual assault by penetration and a 12-month sentence for sexual assault. All sentences are to run concurrently, meaning the total time served will be seven years. The case highlights the serious consequences of exploiting vulnerable individuals and underscores the importance of justice for victims of sexual violence.