Kabeya Kalonji

Kabeya Kalonji, a 34-year-old man formerly residing in Sheffield, was sentenced to six years in prison for raping a vulnerable woman. The attack occurred at a time when the complainant was receiving treatment for severe mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, emotionally unstable personality disorder, and paranoid psychosis.

The case proceeded to trial at Sheffield Crown Court, where Kalonji pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape. However, the jury found him guilty after rejecting his account of the events. The trial concluded earlier in December 2025, leading to his sentencing on 22 December 2025 before Judge Charles Thomas.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Thomas highlighted the significant vulnerability of the complainant, stating: "There’s a significant amount of vulnerability on the part of [the complainant]. You would have been aware to the extent of some sort of difficulty on her part." The judge imposed a six-year custodial sentence, requiring Kalonji to serve at least two-thirds of the term in custody. Additionally, Kalonji was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and received a 10-year restraining order prohibiting contact with the complainant.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the complainant described the lasting trauma inflicted by Kalonji’s actions. She stated: "I’ve been in a constant state of anxiety, and on edge about what might happen if I leave the safety of my address." She further explained how her mental health had declined, affecting her daily life, including an inability to answer unexpected calls due to heightened anxiety. The complainant, who is entitled to lifelong anonymity under UK law, continues to suffer from the ordeal years after the incident.

In mitigation, defence barrister Dermot Hughes argued that Kalonji had faced his own challenges, including fleeing Congo due to threats against his family. Hughes noted that since the attack, Kalonji had entered a relationship and become a father, but acknowledged the difficulties he faced in custody, such as limited finances restricting telephone contact. Despite these factors, the court proceeded with the full sentence.

The case was reported by The Star, a Sheffield-based newspaper, with coverage by crime and court reporter Sarah Marshall on 23 December 2025. South Yorkshire Police were involved in the investigation, as indicated by the article's references.