OGUCHUKWO DIAYI: 16 Years Imprisonment For Abusing Teenage Girl

Hi and welcome to this JK B'HAM Crime Report for VPN: REGIONAL NETWORKS:

A 38-year-old man has been jailed at Birmingham Crown Court for 16 years for multiple serious sexual offences against a teenage girl.

As well as abusing the young girl sexually, OGOCHUKWU DIAYI, 38, also terrorised his victim with violence and death threats. He denied the offences but was found guilty of all charges by a jury at Birmingham crown Court.

Det Con Amelia Rose, from West Midlands Police Child Abuse Investigation Team praised the bravery of the victim and commented that the sentence was proportional to the harm inflicted on the abuse survivor:

“This sentence is reflective of the awful abuse suffered by the victim. She has shown tremendous courage throughout this investigation.

West Midlands Police encourages anyone who has suffered abuse to come forward.

You will be supported, and you will be believed.”

Investigation, Charges & Sentencing

West Midlands Police began their investigation after receiving an anonymous call in October 2023 about a girl being abused.

Diayi was arrested later that day.

He was later charged with five counts of rape, two counts of sexual activity with a child, one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and one count of threats to kill.

On Friday (17 January) he was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court to 16 years in prison.

He was also handed a restraining order and made to sign the sex offenders register.

ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing

As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:

In the case of Ogochukwu Diayi, the court’s sentence of 16 years reflects the gravity of the offences, which include multiple counts of rape, sexual activity with a child, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and threats to kill. These crimes are prosecuted under various sections of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and other relevant legislation.

Rape and Sexual Activity with a Child

Rape, as defined under Section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, involves intentionally penetrating another person without their consent, where the perpetrator either knows or could reasonably be expected to know that consent is absent. This carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Sexual activity with a child is prosecuted under Sections 9 to 13 of the same Act, with the severity of penalties dependent on factors such as the child’s age and the nature of the offence.

In this case, the victim’s age and vulnerability likely played a significant role in determining the length of Diayi’s sentence. Sentencing guidelines take into account aggravating factors such as grooming, the abuse of trust or authority, and repeated offences, all of which can lead to harsher penalties.

Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)

ABH is an offence under Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. This crime is committed when an individual assaults another, causing actual physical harm, which can include injuries like bruising or more serious bodily harm. Sentences for ABH can range up to five years, but when paired with other serious offences, it often contributes to a longer cumulative sentence.

Threats to Kill

Under Section 16 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, making threats to kill is a criminal offence if the perpetrator intends the victim to fear the threat will be carried out. This offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Sentencing in Context

The total sentence of 16 years demonstrates how courts consolidate punishments for multiple offences into a single term, taking into account their interconnected nature while ensuring the overall penalty reflects the seriousness of the crimes. It also reflects judicial discretion within the guidelines set by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales, which provides a structured framework to ensure fairness and proportionality in sentencing.

Additional measures, such as the restraining order and mandatory registration on the Sex Offenders Register, aim to protect the public and monitor offenders after their release. For Diayi, registration is for life, given the severity of his crimes.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Jason King

Birmingham City-Desk

Twitter (X) @JasonKingNews

Jasonkingnews@gmail.com