DESTINY CHIGBUE SENTENCED FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE IN NORTHAMPTON TOWN CENTRE

A man aged 41, identified as Destiny Chigbue, has been handed an extended prison sentence after being convicted of attempting to commit a sexual assault in Northampton town centre. The incident took place late at night on October 28, 2022, when Chigbue approached a woman in the Drapery area shortly after 11:30 pm. According to reports, he initially offered her £20 in exchange for sex, a proposition she firmly refused. The woman, feeling uncomfortable, tried to walk away from the situation, but Chigbue persisted by following her closely.

He then proceeded to grab her around the waist and asked for her phone number, despite her clear refusal and her shouting at him to leave her alone. She made it explicitly known that she did not want any contact with him, but Chigbue's behavior escalated further. He became more aggressive, attempting to pull down her skirt and exposing himself. During this assault, he also ripped open her top and tried to kiss her, actions that left her in a state of distress and fear.

Fortunately, the woman managed to break free and run to a safe location. Once she was out of immediate danger, she summoned the police to report the assault and attempted rape. Law enforcement officers responded swiftly to her call, and Chigbue was identified and arrested on the same night. The police investigation led to charges against him, including one count of attempted rape, one count of sexual assault, one count of attempted sexual assault, and one count of attempted assault by penetration.

Chigbue faced trial at Northampton Crown Court, which concluded on March 13 of this year. The jury found him guilty on all counts except for attempted assault by penetration, of which he was acquitted. Following his conviction, Chigbue was brought back to court on June 7, where he received a prison sentence of four years and eight months. Additionally, Judge Rebecca Crane declared him a dangerous offender, imposing an extra four years on licence to monitor his behavior post-release.

Detective Constable John Cordner, the lead investigator in the case, expressed his commendation for the survivor’s bravery. He stated, “First of all, I want to pay tribute to the survivor in this case for her bravery. From the courage it took to call us in the first place, to the way she supported our investigation and the subsequent court process, she can be proud of the strength and resilience she has demonstrated. The ordeal she was subjected to at Chigbue’s hands was terrifying and I am so pleased that we have got justice for her. Though no sentence will erase the memories of her assault, I hope she can feel some sense of closure that the man who did this is now behind bars and unable to hurt anyone else.”