-5.1 C
Cheshire
Monday, January 20, 2025

Man found guilty of raping child in Northwich

A man has been found guilty of raping a child in Northwich.

Connor Behan (33) has been convicted of a string of sexual offences following a seven-day trial at Chester Crown Court.

On December 18, Behan was found guilty by unanimous verdict of counts of multiple rapes of a girl under 13, multiple sexual assaults by touching of a child under 13, and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child on multiple occasions.

He was found not guilty of an additional count of sexual assault by touching of a child under 13.

Behan of Heath Avenue, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, has since been remanded in custody and is set to be sentenced on January 31.

Cheshire Police launched an investigation into the abuse in October 2022, following a disclosure made by the victim to a teacher at her school.

The jury heard how Behan had sexually assaulted the victim on multiple occasions, starting in May 2019, when the victim was just seven years old.

As part of the investigation, a seminal detection dog was deployed which found traces of Behan’s semen on a blanket owned by the victim.

DS Scott Graves said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the victim who is now just 10 years old, for her bravery and courage shown throughout this investigation and trial. Sadly there are no winners in this case, however I truly hope this result will provide her closure.

“I would also like to thank my team and all those involved in securing this verdict – an immense amount of work has gone into ensuring the victim and other innocent children are safeguarded from what is an extremely dangerous sexual predator.

“Behan sexually abused his victim for a sustained period of time – he showed no remorse, denying everything throughout the investigation.

“Thankfully, the jury were able to see through his lies, and he will finally be held accountable for what he’s done.

“I hope this result will allow the victim to eventually move on with her life, now that Behan will be unable to hurt her ever again.”

DS Graves said: “As this case shows, we treat all reports of sexual offences seriously, with the wishes and needs of the victims as our main priority, and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated.

“Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse – no matter how long ago the incident took place – is urged to come forward and report it to Cheshire Police on 101 or through our website.”

Helen
Helen
I'm the editor here at Business Cheshire and I'd keen to hear what's happening where you live. With more than 18 years' experience in journalism and digital PR, I'm particularly keen to hear from businesses with exciting news.
spot_imgspot_img

Latest

The Liverpool Wedding Show returns this February

Love is in the air as The Liverpool Wedding...

Nina Payne Backs YouTube Shorts as Digital Marketing’s Future

Nina Payne, widely referred to as ‘The SEO Lady,’...

Appy Pie Launches Snappy 3.0

Appy Pie, a world-leading platform in no-code app development,...

Myerson Solicitors welcomes Victoria Davies to award-winning employment team

Myerson Solicitors, a top UK 200 law firm based...
spot_imgspot_img

Newsletter

Don't miss

The Liverpool Wedding Show returns this February

Love is in the air as The Liverpool Wedding...

Next Generation Takes Over at Staffordshire’s Jacksons Nurseries

Jacksons Nurseries, located in Bagnall, North Staffordshire, has entered...

Nina Payne Backs YouTube Shorts as Digital Marketing’s Future

Nina Payne, widely referred to as ‘The SEO Lady,’...

Luke ‘The Nuke’ celebrates Worlds Darts win with 24-carat gold phone

Darts superstar Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler has marked his...

More News

Retired Nantwich firefighter awarded in New Years’ Honours List

A recently retired Nantwich firefighter has been recognised for his dedicated service to the local community. Phil Wilkinson (70) has been awarded a British Empire...

Spreading Cheer – Annual Christmas Lunches for Vulnerable Communities

In an often fragmented and uncertain world, Dr Salman Shahid and his team serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of...

Police launch appeal to trace wanted Crewe man

Police are appealing for help in tracing a wanted Crewe man. David Evanson (40) is wanted for assault, criminal damage, theft and failing to stop...