Locations
Morley Street, Bradford, BD7
Description
A man has been jailed for raping a 17 year old girl in Bradford.
Chiemka Okoronta aged 29 of Morley Street, Bradford was convicted back in July of three counts of rape and causing a women over 16 or over to engage in sexual activity.
He was sentenced today (3 November) to 10 years in jail with three years on an extended licence.
The 17 year old girl reported the rape straight after the incident on 26 March, by using a stranger's mobile in Bradford City Centre to call 999.
Okoronta was arrested swiftly and was charged and remanded into custody.
An extract from the victim’s personal impact statement which was read in court said:
“This incident has turned my life upside down. I have flashbacks of what happened to me, I have nightmares.
“One minute I feel fine and the next minute it all comes back, I get upset and then frustrated and angered by what’s happened.
“I would miss arrangements to meet friends. I usually stay in my room and avoid talking to people. I still don’t like leaving my room at all.
“When I was told he was found guilty, I felt a sense of relief knowing that this person wouldn’t be able to do the same thing he did with me to anyone else.”
Detective Constable Sue Sutcliffe of Bradford District Safeguarding Unit said:
“Okoronta took advantage of his victim and lured her to his home forcing her to engage in sexual activity.
“I would like to commend the victim in this case for her immense bravery in coming forward straight away to report this horrific crime. Her swift actions meant a fast paced investigation.
“She said she felt a sense of relief when she found out Okoronta was convicted, I hope today’s sentence can give her some comfort in knowing he won’t be able to hurt anyone else.
“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence, to please report it to us so we can take action.
“We have specialist officers to support you throughout the process and bring perpetrators to justice.”