CHUKU ANYAWU FROM STRATFORD SENTENCED FOR GROOMING BURY SCHOOLGIRL WITH DRUGS AND VODKA

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online grooming and exploitation, Chuku Anyawu, a 48-year-old man from Stratford, London, was convicted of luring a 15-year-old girl from Bury into a series of dangerous and illegal activities. The incident unfolded over several months, during which Anyawu used social media and messaging platforms to manipulate and groom his young victim.

It was revealed in court that the relationship began in May of the previous year, with Anyawu adopting the alias 'Prince Chris' and falsely claiming to be 23 years old. He initially engaged the girl through Facebook, sending her more than 600 text messages in an attempt to persuade her to meet him for sexual activity. During their online exchanges, he sent her photographs of vodka and cannabis spliffs, attempting to entice her by showing her what she was missing, as described by Judge Elliot Knopf.

The court heard that the girl, who was in care at the time, was vulnerable and easily manipulated. Despite her hesitations, Anyawu continued to pursue her, requesting explicit photographs and discussing plans to meet in person. He even offered to pay for her train fare to London, but she was concerned about being reported missing. As an alternative, he suggested she get a lift to Oldham where his cousin would drive her to London, but her care workers refused to facilitate such a plan.

On the evening of August 9, Anyawu drove from Stratford to Bury in a Mazda, parking outside her home at around 10 pm. The prosecution explained that the girl was unsure if it was truly him because, although she recognized his voice, his photograph made him look much younger than his actual age. Despite her doubts, she got into his car. During the journey, Anyawu placed his hand on her thigh and proposed they go to a hotel, but she became alarmed and exited the vehicle at a traffic light.

The communication between them persisted, and on August 25, Anyawu persuaded the girl to sneak out of her home at 12:30 am. He then drove her to a wooded area behind a restaurant in Birtle, where they drank alcohol and smoked cannabis. The court heard that they subsequently engaged in sexual activity. The girl later told her care workers about what had happened, leading to police involvement. Anyawu was arrested, and authorities examined his mobile phone records and internet activity, which confirmed his involvement.

During earlier proceedings, Anyawu admitted to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual grooming. It was also disclosed that he had worked as a rent collection officer for 20 years and was a father to two children aged 16 and 12. Judge Knopf condemned his actions, stating that Anyawu had been living a double life and showed no regard for the girl’s age or well-being. The judge emphasized that after their initial meeting, Anyawu’s pursuit of the girl was relentless, and he engaged in unprotected sex without considering the risks of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.

As part of his sentence, Anyawu was ordered to register as a sex offender and is subject to a sexual offences prevention order. This order prohibits him from working with children unsupervised upon his release from prison, aiming to prevent any future harm. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding efforts to protect vulnerable young people from predators operating online and in the community.