A trusted pastor has been exposed as a vile predator after being found guilty of 17 sexual offences. Walter Chahwanda, 34, from Chester, used his role in evangelical churches to target children and young women. The disgraced preacher was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court on 3 February 2026 and faces sentencing on 20 March 2026.
Church Leader Betrays Trust
Chahwanda once preached at the Apostolic Faith Mission before setting up his own church, Sound of Dominion, in Liverpool. Respected and admired, he exploited his position to groom vulnerable victims across the UK. For over four years, he preyed on children and young women involved in church activities, shattering the trust of his congregation.
Digital Grooming Tactics Revealed
The court heard chilling details of how Chahwanda used social media to lure victims. He added youngsters on Snapchat and Instagram, starting with innocent chats that soon turned sexual.
- He sent graphic images and videos of himself performing sexual acts.
- Victims were left confused and scared, unable to reconcile his churchman image with his vile actions.
- Shockingly, he even dared victims to expose him, seeming turned on by the risk of getting caught.
Abuse Escalates Despite Warnings
Some victims reported the abuse to church officials, but Chahwanda’s attacks worsened. He even sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl. The nightmare only came to light after one victim’s father alerted the NSPCC. Police launched an investigation that uncovered multiple victims.
Chahwanda denied all charges in interviews but admitted to “naughty” online chats, downplaying them as innocent roleplay. Charged with 22 offences linked to nine victims, he pleaded not guilty. However, a jury convicted him on 17 counts, including sexual activity with a child and sending indecent images. He was acquitted of rape and some other charges.
Prosecutor Slams Pastor’s “Callous” Crimes
“Chahwanda used his position as a respected pastor to abuse a 14-year-old child and cause distress to multiple young women and children,” said Aaron Smith from the CPS Mersey Cheshire Rape and Serious Sexual Offences unit. “He had no regard for their wellbeing or vulnerability, focusing only on his own sexual gratification.”
Smith added that victims struggled to grasp how a man of faith could commit such vile crimes, with many unable to openly discuss sex due to the trauma. Despite the verdict, Chahwanda still denies wrongdoing, claiming all victims consented and trying to minimise his offences as harmless.
This shocking case is a grim reminder of the dangers lurking behind closed doors in religious communities. It highlights the urgent need for safeguards and vigilance to protect the vulnerable from predator pastors.
