MICHAEL OKAFOR FROM NEWPORT SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN CARDIFF COURT

A woman has come forward to describe the profound and lasting impact of her traumatic experience with Michael Okafor, a 46-year-old man from Newport, who was convicted of rape. The victim recounted that her ordeal began after an initial period of consensual sexual activity, which was followed by a disturbing refusal on Okafor's part to cease his actions despite her clear and repeated pleas for him to stop.

She explained that during the assault, she told him explicitly to stop because she was being hurt, but her words fell on deaf ears as he continued to assault her against her will. The emotional toll of this incident has been devastating; she revealed that she had reached out to him via text message afterward, informing him that he had raped her. However, during police investigations, Okafor denied the allegations, claiming innocence despite the evidence against him.

Although he was previously considered to be of good character, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of rape after a trial held at Cardiff Crown Court. The victim’s statement was filled with anguish, describing how her life has been irrevocably altered. She shared that she feels her safety and emotional well-being have been shattered, and she lives in constant fear. She expressed that every time she looks in the mirror or closes her eyes, she sees Michael Okafor’s face, recalling that night’s trauma. Her mental health has suffered immensely, with feelings of darkness, despair, and a desire to sleep through her days. She also voiced concerns about her ability to trust others again and her discomfort around men, which has significantly affected her social interactions.

In her victim statement, she detailed experiencing panic attacks, flashbacks, and ongoing fear since the assault. The court was informed that Okafor, who resides on Bishton Street, Newport, had previously been regarded as a man of good character. His defense team highlighted this fact during mitigation, attempting to influence the court’s perception of his character.

Ultimately, the judge sentenced Michael Okafor to a term of six years and 182 days in prison. The sentence took into account the 426 days he had already spent on remand, which were deducted from the total. Additionally, the court imposed a 10-year restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim and mandated indefinite registration as a sex offender, requiring him to notify authorities of his whereabouts and activities for an unspecified period.

Details of this case, along with similar court reports, can be followed through the local crime newsletter. Support organizations dedicated to helping survivors of sexual abuse, such as Lifecentre, NAPAC, One in Four, Safeline, The Survivors Trust, and Rape Crisis England & Wales, are available for victims seeking assistance and guidance in the aftermath of such traumatic experiences.