West Yorkshire man jailed for 23 years for raping and sexually assaulting a child

A man from West Yorkshire has been jailed for 23 years for raping a child.

Sean McConnell, 35, from Halifax, was found guilty of nine counts of rape, sexual assault and attempted rape against the victim during a trial in February.

The offences date back to 2006.

The victim came forward to report McConnell's offending to West Yorkshire Police in 2017.

Sean McConnell, 35, from Halifax, has been jailed for 23 years (Photo: WYP)Sean McConnell, 35, from Halifax, has been jailed for 23 years (Photo: WYP)
Sean McConnell, 35, from Halifax, has been jailed for 23 years (Photo: WYP)
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An investigation was launched by specialist child abuse investigators in Calderdale and McConnell was arrested and charged with 14 offences.

On February 12, a jury found McConnell not guilty of five counts but guilty of nine offences.

He was sentenced to 23 years in prison at Bradford Crown Court on February 26.

McConell was handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be added to the sex offenders register for life. He is also barred from working with children.

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Detective Inspector Victoria Lawrance, of Calderdale Safeguarding Unit, said: “McConnell has been given a very lengthy sentence for his abhorrent crimes against a child. We welcome the sentence that reflects the seriousness of his actions, which happened decades ago.

“I would like to thank and praise the bravery of his victims who came forward and bravely sat through the trial giving evidence which has seen him convicted by a jury.

“We have supported the witnesses throughout the trial and I hope the sentence today can give them some closure and justice.

“I would also like to recognise the dedication and tenacity of the colleagues involved in this investigation which highlights our commitment to supporting victims of sexual assaults no matter how long ago they happened.

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“I would encourage any victims of unreported sexual offences whether recent or non-recent to come forward and contact the police.

"All reports are treated with the upmost sensitivity and confidentiality. We will thoroughly investigate any reports and bring those responsible to justice.”