January 2023

Child rapist used threats to keep his devastated victims quiet

A twisted paedophile was brought to justice after a campaign of rape against a young child.

Christopher McConnell dragged out his victim’s ordeal by denying his guilt, resulting in an eight-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

Jurors heard how McConnell would hold a pillow over his victim’s face when they became upset and used threats to keep them quiet.

However the 36-year-old, from Warrington but most recently of Prestbury Drive, Stockport, was found guilty of four counts of child rape and hauled back to court today for sentence.

The case against McConnell began in September 2021 when Cheshire Constabulary received reports that he had raped and assaulted a young child.

The source reported that the offences took place over a four-year period and involved a child under the age of 13. Officers from Cheshire Constabulary built up a file of evidence against McConnell and he was charged.

McConnell was today jailed for 18 years.

The court was told that McConnell is a violent and manipulative bully, who subjected his victim to a prolonged period of sexual abuse and violence.

He repeatedly threatened his victim and placed a pillow over their face if they became upset while he was raping them.

Even when faced with all the evidence against him, he refused to admit his guilt. Instead, he chose to make the victim’s family sit through the hearing and listen to the horrific offences that he committed.