Former Pastor Gets 14 Years for Preying on Young Girls
Trusted Church Leader Exploited Kids
Walter Chahwanda, 34, once a respected pastor in the Apostolic Faith Mission, has been jailed for 14 years at Liverpool Crown Court. The former spiritual leader founded the Sound of Dominion church in Liverpool, where he secretly preyed on vulnerable girls and young women over four years.
Chahwanda lured victims through Snapchat and Instagram. He started with innocent chats before turning the conversation sexual, sending disturbing videos and explicit images of himself performing acts online.
Grotesque Abuse Hidden Behind the Pulpit
One victim was just 14 when the abuse began. In chilling moments, Chahwanda even dared girls to expose him — a twisted game born from his fear of being caught. Despite warnings from the church and victims bravely speaking out, he continued his sickening behaviour, abusing his position of trust to shockingly exploit those who looked up to him.
Justice After Long Investigation
- Arrested twice – first in February 2024, then April 2025 after new evidence emerged
- Denied all charges except admitting to “naughty” sexual chats, claiming role play
- Faced 22 counts; convicted on 17 by a jury
- Cleared of rape, assault by penetration, and one charge of sending explicit images
- Two blackmail charges dropped by CPS and not prosecuted
Chahwanda will serve nine years in prison, followed by a five-year extended licence. His sentence brings relief to survivors and sends a tough warning: no predator is above the law, especially not those who cloak abuse in faith.
