FACE OF RAPIST JAILED FOR PREYING ON VULNERABLE SHEFFIELD WOMAN
A man from Sheffield, identified as 34-year-old Kabeya Kalonji, is set to serve a prison sentence after a jury dismissed his denial and found him guilty of rape.Although Kalonji denied the charges, the court proceedings at Sheffield Crown Court concluded earlier this month with a conviction.
On Monday, December 22, 2025, he appeared before the court again to be sentenced.
The judge, Charles Thomas, sentenced Kalonji to six years in prison and acknowledged the vulnerability of the victim, noting that Kalonji was likely aware of her difficulties.
The court heard that at the time of the assault, the victim was receiving treatment for several mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, emotionally unstable personality disorder, and paranoid psychosis.
In her victim statement, the woman expressed ongoing distress stemming from the attack.
She described persistent anxiety and fears about leaving her home, along with a decline in her mental health over the years.
She also shared how the trauma and court proceedings have adversely affected her daily life, such as feeling too anxious to answer unexpected calls.
The victim is entitled to lifelong anonymity.
Kalonji’s defense lawyer, Dermot Hughes, described his client as someone facing personal challenges, mentioning Kalonji’s history in Congo and fears for his family’s safety, which led him to flee.
Hughes added that since the trial, Kalonji has built a new relationship and become a father.
He also noted that Kalonji’s current circumstances are difficult; he has little money and limited contact with others due to restrictions.
At sentencing, Judge Thomas stated that Kalonji must serve at least two-thirds of his six-year sentence and must remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.
A restraining order was also granted, preventing Kalonji from contacting the complainant for ten years.
