ISSABRAYZI-POUR SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN BOLTON AND FARMWORTH
In a chilling series of events that have left the community of Bolton and Farnworth shaken, Issa Brayzi-Pour, a 22-year-old man, was convicted of heinous sexual crimes committed against two complete strangers.The incidents spanned across the streets of Farnworth, an area within Bolton, and included a distressing attack on a pensioner as well as an assault on a young girl.
Brayzi-Pour's actions have been described by prosecutors as deliberate and predatory, with authorities stating that he was 'trawling the streets at night time looking for vulnerable individuals' to target.
The first victim, a 70-year-old woman, had been out at a local pub in Farnworth, enjoying a social evening with her family while watching a boxing match.
According to court proceedings, Brayzi-Pour had been in the vicinity and at one point followed her as she left the pub.
Prosecutor Henry Blackshaw detailed how Brayzi-Pour had initially engaged her in conversation, and she became fearful that he was attempting to rob her.
Blackshaw explained that Brayzi-Pour then took hold of her, effectively stalking her and steering her around corners in a menacing manner.
Their interaction culminated in Brayzi-Pour raping her on a side street during the summer of the previous year.
The police were swiftly involved after the assault, and a comprehensive investigation was launched.
CCTV footage played a crucial role, capturing Brayzi-Pour dressed in distinctive clothing, including a dark hooded coat and slider sandals.
He was identified and subsequently arrested three days later.
A DNA swab obtained from Brayzi-Pour matched evidence collected from the victim during forensic analysis, solidifying his involvement in the attack.
The psychological impact on the woman has been severe; she reported suffering from significant mental health issues and has undergone counseling, indicating the life-changing trauma caused by the assault.
Further investigation uncovered a second disturbing incident involving Brayzi-Pour.
Just 12 days prior to the attack on the pensioner, a 13-year-old girl in Farnworth had recognized Brayzi-Pour, recalling that he had previously given cigarettes to her and her friends.
The young girl encountered Brayzi-Pour again on some waste ground when he asked her for another cigarette.
Instead of a simple exchange, Brayzi-Pour propositioned her to engage in sexual acts, asking her to perform oral sex and attempting to kiss her.
The court heard that Brayzi-Pour had lured her to this isolated spot with the pretense of giving her tobacco, exploiting her vulnerability.
Defence lawyer Bunty Batra emphasized Brayzi-Pour’s lack of criminal record both in the UK and in his homeland, Iran.
He described Brayzi-Pour as being regarded by acquaintances as respectful and polite, and expressed shock among those who knew him upon learning of his crimes.
Batra disputed allegations of grooming, asserting that the brief interaction with the young girl was not indicative of targeted predatory behaviour.
He denied that Brayzi-Pour had been 'targeting' the victim or that he was 'trawling' the streets for victims.
After assessing all evidence, the court, presided over by Recorder Andrew McLoughlin, found Brayzi-Pour guilty of two counts of rape, as well as charges of sexual assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
The judge rejected Brayzi-Pour's claims that his victims consented, stating that his version of events bore no relation to the evidence presented.
He emphasized that Brayzi-Pour demonstrated no remorse, believing falsely that the victims had consented to his actions.
The court sentenced Brayzi-Pour to a substantial term of 13 years in prison.
Additionally, he was declared a 'dangerous' offender and ordered to serve an extra five years on licence once released, with the parole board deciding upon his eligibility for parole after serving two-thirds of his sentence.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Peter Hardy of Bolton CID expressed his gratitude to the victims for their bravery.
“Firstly, I want to thank the bravery of both of the victims and the strength they have shown to take this prosecution to sentencing.
We are happy with today’s result and are pleased that the trauma that Brayzi-Pour put his victims through has been recognised.
Although no amount of time behind bars can undo the suffering endured, I hope that this sentence will help them begin to rebuild their lives,” Hardy stated.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Greater Manchester Police to tracking down sex offenders and ensuring they face justice.
Hardy also urged the public to come forward with any information about sexual assaults, emphasizing that support is available for victims and that the police take these crimes very seriously.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance and community awareness in combating predatory behaviour in Bolton and Farnworth.
Brayzi-Pour’s actions have left a lasting scar on his victims, but his imprisonment aims to prevent him from harming others in the future.
