Issa Brayzi-Pour, a resident of Longcauseway in Farnworth, Bolton, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison with an extended license of five years after being found guilty of the rape of a 70-year-old woman, inciting a child into sexual activity, and sexual assault of a child. The sentence was handed down at Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday, 18 July 2023.
The court heard that on 9 August 2022, Brayzi-Pour approached a 13-year-old girl near a pub in Farnworth and led her to a nearby field. The young victim described how he had asked her to perform oral sex, but when she refused, he attempted to drag her into nearby bushes. In a brave act of self-defence, she threw herself to the ground and screamed, causing Brayzi-Pour to release her and flee. The girl immediately sought help at a nearby shop, and the incident was reported to the police.
The victim provided the police with a detailed description of Brayzi-Pour, which proved accurate enough for him to be recognised and arrested on suspicion of another rape case just a couple of weeks later, on 22 August 2022. In the second incident, Brayzi-Pour targeted a 70-year-old woman walking home in Farnworth. After attempting to engage her in conversation, he forcefully pushed her against a fence near her residence and raped her before calmly walking away.
In a state of shock, the woman contacted her son, who promptly notified the police. Through high visibility patrols, extensive CCTV investigations, and DNA evidence, Brayzi-Pour was identified, arrested, and subsequently convicted.
Detective Constable Peter Hardy of Bolton CID commended the bravery of both victims and acknowledged their strength in pursuing the prosecution. He stated, “We are happy with today’s result and are pleased that the trauma that Brayzi-Pour put his victims through has been recognized. Although no amount of time behind bars can make up for what the victims have been through, I hope that it will allow them to start to rebuild their lives and move on from what must have been a living nightmare.”
DC Hardy reassured the public that a dangerous individual has been taken off the streets, emphasising Greater Manchester Police’s commitment to identifying and locating sex offenders to ensure they face the full force of the law. He urged anyone who has been subjected to a sexual assault to come forward and report it to the police, assuring them that they will be listened to and believed.
Victims or witnesses of sexual assault can contact the police by calling 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
