HAJI KALOGA SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR BRUTAL CHILD RAPE IN BRADFORD
A man named Haji Kaloga has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after committing a heinous sexual assault on an 11-year-old girl in Bradford.The young girl, overwhelmed with fear and distress, leapt out of a first-floor window in her attempt to escape from her attacker and seek help.
This incident occurred after Kaloga forcibly entered her bedroom, where he physically assaulted her and subjected her to a prolonged and cruel sexual attack.
According to court proceedings, Kaloga, aged 31, approached the girl in her home, grabbing her by the throat and pushing her forcefully to the floor while she was crying and pleading for him to stop.
Despite her resistance—bitting his hand and kicking him—he continued his assault.
The attacker then forcibly removed her trousers, further assaulting her.
During the attack, he also pulled her hair and threw her onto the ground, before sexually assaulting her.
The victim was given a disturbing threat by Kaloga, who warned her not to tell anyone about what had transpired, ominously stating that if she did, he would kill her.
Terrified, the girl eventually managed to escape by jumping out of a first-floor window.
She immediately called the police but was initially too scared to get into the patrol car.
Once at a police station, she disclosed the details of her assault, revealing the trauma inflicted upon her.
Medical examinations and forensic evidence linked Kaloga to the crime through DNA analysis.
Following his arrest, he was taken for police interviews where he initially denied any involvement.
However, during his trial, Kaloga chose to plead guilty to charges of raping a child under 13 and assault by penetration, on March 11.
During the court hearing, the young girl read a heartfelt victim personal statement directly to Kaloga, who was present in the courtroom with his head bowed.
She expressed the lasting impact of his actions, stating, "I want you to know that what you have done to me, or ever said to me, is something I won't ever forget until the day I die." She emphasized her resilience, asserting that despite her painful experience, she would not allow it to alter her future or her aspirations.
The girl concluded her statement with a strong message of hope, saying, "Sooner or later, one day, you will hear that I have become something that you can never imagine.
I hope that I never ever meet a man like you again." Kaloga’s legal representative, barrister Kitty Colley, acknowledged the victim's statement in court and conveyed Kaloga's remorse and deep regret over his actions.
It was noted that he had no history of previous convictions and was described as a hardworking individual.
After serving his prison sentence, it is anticipated that he will be deported to his home country, Gambia.
The presiding recorder, Andrew Haslam QC, described the incident in court as a horrifying and prolonged sexual assault.
He recounted how, during the attack, Kaloga had placed his hands around the young girl’s neck and questioned her about a man before dragging her into a room to commit the assault.
The judge highlighted the girl’s remarkable strength and composure in the face of such terror, stating that she was frightened and alone when she called the police from a Bradford street.
The court ruling emphasized the severity of the crime.
Recorder Haslam declared that Kaloga would not be eligible for release until the Parole Board determined it was safe to do so, given the seriousness of his offending.
In response to the verdict, a spokesperson for the NSPCC remarked on the ongoing impact of child sexual abuse, stressing the importance of providing support to victims to help them recover from their trauma.
They reaffirmed that survivors should always feel safe to speak out, regardless of how much time has passed since their abuse.
This case underscores the devastating effects of child abuse and the importance of justice and support for victims.
The community in Bradford is reminded of the importance of safeguarding the most vulnerable and ensuring such predators are held accountable.
