A man has been jailed for raping a child in Northwich.
Connor Behan (33) of Heath Avenue, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday, where he was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
He was previously 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 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.
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.
Detective constable Georgia Hughes, who led the investigation, said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the victim for the strength and courage she has shown throughout this case, and I hope the sentence handed to Behan will provide her closure and a chance to move on with her life.
“Behan is a dangerous individual, who sexually abused a little girl for years. He showed no remorse throughout the entire investigation, and even made his victim relive the experiences in court.
“Thankfully, as a result of the evidence gathered and the bravery of the victim, the jury were able to see through his lies and he is now being held accountable for his actions.”
DC Hughes said: “Cheshire Constabulary takes any allegation of sexual offences extremely seriously, no matter how long ago they relate to, as this case shows.
“Any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority. Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to.
“They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity for life.”
