JEREMY OKETCH SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE IN WHALLEY RANGE

Manchester Crown Court has handed down a severe sentence to Jeremy Oketch, a man with a professional background as a pharmacist, who was found guilty of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of children. The court heard that Oketch, aged 45, engaged in a series of disturbing acts over several years, targeting vulnerable young victims, some as young as five years old, in the Whalley Range area.

Despite his outward appearance of respectability and a career in pharmacy, Oketch concealed a dark and predatory side. He was convicted on charges of two separate rapes and numerous sexual assaults, which included acts of manipulation and coercion. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that he had secretly recorded his victims during the abuse, often while they were under the influence of drugs, further demonstrating his calculated and predatory behavior.

In addition to his physical crimes, authorities uncovered a vast collection of illegal material on his devices. These included thousands of indecent images, some of an extreme nature, and even material involving bestiality, highlighting the extent of his depravity. The judge emphasized the high level of manipulation and control exercised by Oketch over his victims, which compounded the severity of his offenses.

Judge noted that Oketch’s actions pose a significant ongoing threat to the public, particularly to children, and therefore, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Furthermore, the court imposed a lifelong restriction, with Oketch remaining on licence until at least 2038, ensuring continued supervision and monitoring to prevent further harm.