On Air Now

Wednesday Drivetime

3:00pm - 6:00pm

Now Playing

Lovejoy

Call Me What You Like

Semi-pro footballer jailed for sexual offences

A semi-pro footballer who raped and sexually assaulted seven females between 2011 and 2017 has been jailed for 28 years, with four years to be served on license.

Jonathan Diba-Musangu, (12/10/1997) of Fernhurst St, Chadderton, met most of his victims through a church in Rochdale where he taught Sunday School and music classes and worked in focus groups for young adults alongside his budding career as a footballer.

Detectives from GMP launched an investigation in 2018 following a report of sexual assault. During this time, the 23-year-old played football for multiple clubs. In mid October 2018, he signed a semi-professional goalkeeper at Mossley FC. Shortly afterwards that month, detectives arrested him for several offences.

In mid October 2018, he signed a semi-professional goalkeeper at Mossley FC. Shortly afterwards that month, detectives arrested him for several offences.

The court heard that in one instance, he raped a seven-year-old girl when he was 14 or 15 years old in the presence of another young boy at an address in Rochdale.

Diba-Musangu was jailed for five counts of rape, assault of a child, two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault of a child under 13 and three counts of sexual activity with a child. 

He was jailed today (24 September) for 28 years at Minshull St Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Julie Maxwell, from GMP's Rochdale district, said: "It's taken immense bravery for these victims to come forward and cooperate with us as we pieced together his gruesome acts.

"Diba-Musangu abused his position of power within the church and may have well had a successful footballing career ahead of him before the work of detectives have led to where he is now - behind bars.

"I hope that today's sentencing provides a sense of justice to the victims and their families and serves as a warning to other offenders."

Inspector Maxwell added: "I encourage young people who are - or anyone else who suspects a young person is - being inappropriately contacted by an adult ­– whether in person or via the internet ­– to report it to an appropriate adult or agency. This could be a parent, carer, teacher or the police.”

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Greater Manchester

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • Wednesday Drivetime

    3:00pm - 6:00pm

    with Joe Regent getting you home on your favourite Drivetime station.

  • Sounds of the 70s

    6:00pm - 8:00pm

    with Helena Hart playing two hours of the greatest hits from the decade that gave us glam rock, disco & unforgettable classics.

  • Mill About Mix

    8:00pm - 10:00pm

    with Alison and the team from Mill About playing all of their favourite hits.

  • The Graveyard Shift

    10:00pm - Midnight

    with Gemma Johnson, as she explores the strange, unusual and down right spooky. Featuring a midnight ghost story from the darkest depths of the graveyard.

  • After Hours

    Midnight - 2:00am

    For the night owls, night workers and everyone still going while the rest of the town sleeps. Music, chat and company after dark.

  • Wide Awake Club

    2:00am - 5:00am

    For those who find themselves awake at 3am more often than they’d like. Calm music, understanding voices and quiet company.