'Despicable' rapist jailed for 13 years after night attack

A Preston man who raped a woman on her way home from a night out has been jailed.

- by Emma Downey

Chewe Chitalu, 32, of Mountbatten Close, Preston was arrested on suspicion of, and later charged with rape, assault by penetration and sexual assault.

The court heard how in August 2022 his victim was on a night out in Preston.

At some point in the evening, she was walked to Chitalu’s van, where she was sexually assaulted.

The victim later woke up in Chitalu’s bedroom, where she was raped.

The offences were reported to police and an investigation commenced.

He was found guilty following a trial and was sentenced to 13 years.