Man sentenced to 20 years after two women’s brave reports lead to conviction

Charles Liburd (27/07/1961) of Quarry Road, Maidstone, Kent, has been sentenced today at Manchester Square Crown Court after being found guilty of 11 counts, including indecent assault and sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 years.

He was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, with an additional two years on licence. This sentencing comes after two brave women reported the offences that occurred from 1986 – 1994. 

In May 2021, the first victim came forward to report a series of incidents where Liburd sexually assaulted her in her home from the age of 7 – 9-years-old. The victim disclosed the countless times Liburd touched her and forced himself on her. She opened up about the impact this has had on her and her mental-health long term, which is why she decided to come forward and report the offences.

In September 2023 during the investigation into Liburd, officers from our Longsight District Investigation Team were able to identify a second victim. She courageously stepped forward and reported against the same perpetrator, who raped and continuously assaulted her from the ages of 7 – 11-years old.

The victim described multiple instances where she had been sexually assaulted by him despite her pushing him away, and she recalls a time when she was raped in her sleep in her own bedroom and woke up to him on top of her.

The bravery of both victims sharing their stories led to Liburd being issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order prior to his trial, safeguarding both victims and multiple other girls across Greater Manchester. Liburd showed no remorse during his trial, and when questioned, accused both girls of lying, which officers and the jury did not accept and ensured they secured his sentence at trial.

In her victim impact statement, one of the women shared with the court the damaging and lasting impact this has had on her and her family’s mental health over the years and why she has chosen to come forward to get the justice she deserves:

“The trauma has followed me into adulthood, causing me mental health and shaping who I am and how I see the world today. The scars and trauma will never completely go away.

“I find it difficult to build close relationships and even when people show me kindness, I question their intentions.

“I have felt weak for not speaking out sooner, with that comes feelings of guilt for not protecting other potential victims. What I have come to understand is I was a child, the silence was not weakness, it was survival.

“The guilt I have carried for nearly my whole life it was never mine to hold. It belonged to my abuser Charles Liburd, who has shown no remorse or accountability for his actions nor the mental torture he inflicted on me and my family.”

Detective Sergeant Kerry Batchelor from GMP’s District Investigation Team in South Manchester said:

“Regardless of when reports are made, our officers are committed to solving these crimes and ensuring the public feel they have a safe space to report any incident.

“Both girls were able to come forward when they were ready and disclose the abuse they suffered, and our officers will work tirelessly to ensure all victims get justice, no matter when the offences take place.

“It is our hope that both women will be able to finally feel safer after this sentencing and begin to move forward for themselves and their families.

“Protecting our children is a key priority at GMP and we hope that this encourages anyone who has been abused or assaulted to always come forward and report.”

Report and support information:

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 via 101, or through a support agency so you can get the help and support available. 
We are committed to safeguarding vulnerable people, reducing harm and bringing offenders to justice. We will listen, support and act.

- 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 [email protected] 

- 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. 
Always call 999 in an emergency.