Monster Jailed for 18 Years for Sick Child Sex Crimes
Gabriel Philip Chirwa, 38, from Amesbury, was sentenced to 18 years in prison today. On top of that, he faces four years on extended licence for horrific sex offences against a child under 13. The charges include four counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
Lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order
Chirwa will also be slapped with a lifetime sexual harm prevention order (SHPO). This forbids him from contacting the victim or having any unsupervised contact with anyone under 16. The brutal abuse spanned two years but came to light after the victim bravely told her mother in August 2022.
Investigation, Trial & Verdict
Wiltshire Police quickly arrested Chirwa. He denied all charges, leading to a jury trial at Winchester Crown Court in December last year. The jury found him guilty. Today, the judge sentenced him to nearly two decades behind bars.
“He had made me completely disgusted with myself, I was so young. I ask myself why me? Now, I’m not doing as bad, but my life is still a massive mess three years later. You never cared. I hope you will care when I am free to live the life that you can’t.” – Victim’s Personal Statement
Police Praise Victim’s Bravery
Detective Constable Fiona Rawlings from the Child Abuse Investigation Team saluted the victim’s courage. “It was incredibly tough for her to come forward and endure the long court process. Her bravery has been extraordinary,” she said.
Rawlings added, “Chirwa is a dangerous offender with zero remorse. His denial forced the victim to relive the trauma in court. I’m glad he will now spend substantial time behind bars.”
Speak Out Against Abuse
If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, call 999 or report it via the wiltshire.police.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wiltshire Police website. Support agencies are available to help survivors of child abuse.
