Man convicted of raping a child in Northwich

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

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

On Wednesday 18 December, 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.

The 33-year-old of Heath Avenue, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, has since been remanded in custody and is set to be sentenced on Friday 31 January.

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.

Behan was immediately arrested and subsequently charged.

Following the verdict, 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 added:

“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.”

Pictured - Connor Behan of Heath Avenue in Newcastle-Under-Lyme.