In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Walter Chahwanda, then 34, of Plemonstall Court, Chester, Cheshire, was found guilty of seventeen “vile” offences. On Tuesday, 3 February 2026, a jury at Liverpool Crown Court returned guilty verdicts against the former pastor following a four-year campaign of abuse against children and young women across the country.
The investigation established that Chahwanda, who led the Sound of Dominion church in Liverpool, Merseyside, used his position of authority to groom victims he met through the Apostolic Faith Mission. The prosecution reported that his method involved adding children to Snapchat or Instagram before sexualising the conversations. His “vicious” conduct included sending intimate sexual pictures and videos of himself, often while performing sexual acts, and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old child.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Chahwanda derived sexual gratification from the risk of being caught, often goading his victims to “expose him.” The judge emphasised that he had a significant role of trust and was admired by many in the church, making his “despicable” actions even more confusing and shocking for his victims. Despite being confronted by several women and the church leadership, he refused to stop his escalating behaviour.
The prosecution emphasised that Chahwanda denied all allegations during questioning, dismissing his explicit messages as “naughty” role play. However, Merseyside Police and the CPS presented “overwhelming” evidence from nine separate victims. The judge emphasised that while he was acquitted of some charges, the jury was in no doubt regarding the seventeen counts of “vile” sexual activity and communication. For his crimes in Merseyside and beyond, the court determined that Chahwanda must remain in custody to await his sentencing next month.
Convictions and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, Walter Chahwanda was found guilty of:
- Sexual Activity: Five counts of sexual activity with a child.
- Malicious Communication: Six counts of sending an indecent electronic image.
- Prohibited Acts: Three counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act.
- Sexual Communication: Three counts of sexual communication with a child.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements will be activated upon sentencing.
- Sentencing: Scheduled for 20 March 2026.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Chahwanda is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Merseyside Police and Cheshire Constabulary. Due to the predatory nature of his grooming and his abuse of a 14-year-old child, his status is under the highest level of scrutiny by the Public Protection Unit.
As a soon-to-be registered sex offender, Chahwanda will be required to comply with mandatory notification requirements regarding his residence in Plemonstall Court, Chester. Authorities state that his “vile” abuse of religious authority necessitates a lifetime ban from working with children or vulnerable adults. Any breach of his future registration conditions or licence terms will result in his immediate arrest and return to Liverpool Crown Court.
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