A man who raped a 70-year-old woman in Farnworth has been sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Issa Brayzi-Pour, 22, was also found guilty of inciting a child into sexual activity and sexual assault of a child.

The court heard how, on 9 August 2022, Brayzi-Pour had led a girl to a nearby field, after he had seen her walking past a pub in Farnworth. The young victim had described being asked to perform a sexual act on him but when she refused, he tried to pull her into bushes nearby.

She had thrown herself to the floor and screamed, which caused him to let her go and leave her in the field. She then went to a nearby shop and reported the incident, which was then reported to the police.

The brave victim provided a description of Brayzi-Pour to the police, which proved so accurate he was recognised after being taken into custody on suspicion of rape of another victim, just a couple of weeks later on 22 August 2022.

His second victim, a 70-year-old woman, was walking home through Farnworth, when she became aware of a man walking close behind her. After he attempted to engage her in conversation but when she refused, he pushed her up against a fence, metres away from her home address, and raped her, before calmly walking off up the road.

In shock, the woman called her son, who immediately contacted police. High visibility patrols by uniformed officers, extensive CCTV enquiries and DNA-evidence led to the identity, arrest and conviction of Brayzi-Pour.

He struck just 10 months after his arrival in the country as an asylum seeker from Iran.

Henry Blackshaw, prosecuting, said the 70-year-old woman had been left with a "severe and significant psychological impact."

He said in relation to the earlier offences that there were elements of "grooming behaviour" and "enticement."

Bunty Batra, defending, said he had no convictions in this country or elsewhere and was "lacking in maturity."

He rejected suggestions he had gone to the pub looking for a victim and said footage showed him watching a boxing match. 

He said Brayzi-Pour, of Longcauseway in Farnworth, had found custody difficult and it had affected his mental health.

Recorder Andrew McLoughlin said: "It would appear in my judgement there was no remorse shown by you, in your letter to this court you are still of the view these incidents, serious criminal offences, took place by consent.

"Frankly that bears no relationship with the detailed evidence this court listened to."

Brayzi-Pour was found guilty at a trial at Bolton Crown Court earlier this year.

He appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (Monday) where he was sentenced to 13 years, with an extended licence of five years.

DC Peter Hardy of Bolton CID said: “Firstly, I want to thank the bravery of both of the victims and the strength they have shown to take this prosecution to sentencing.

“We are happy with today’s result and are pleased that the trauma that Brayzi-Pour put his victims through has been recognised.

“Although no amount of time behind bars can make up for what the victims have been through, I hope that it will allow them to start to rebuild their lives and move on from what must have been a living nightmare.

“A dangerous individual is now off the streets and cannot pose a risk to any other females. As a force, GMP are committed to identifying and locating sex offenders to ensure that they face the full force of the law.

“If you, or anyone you know has been subjected to a sexual assault, we would urge you to come forward and speak to GMP. You will be listened to and you will be believed.

“This can be done via 101 or by contacting the independent charity – Crimestoppers – anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk - Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.