Connor Pennell, 27, from Skelmersdale, Lancashire, has been sentenced to nine-and-a-half years in prison for a series of heinous crimes against a woman from Wigan. Despite being under a protection from harassment order following previous charges of battery and strangulation against the victim, Pennell continued to abuse the woman, resorting to threats of releasing intimate images if she reported his crimes.
The abuse continued for several months until the victim courageously approached Greater Manchester Police in July 2024. Pennell had used both text messages and in-person violence to assert control over his victim. During the investigation, Pennell denied the allegations and even suggested that officers search his phone for evidence to support his innocence.
However, detectives uncovered disturbing footage saved on Pennell’s phone that had been recorded through a baby monitor without the victim’s knowledge. The video, deliberately set up by Pennell, showed him raping the woman. The evidence also revealed his attempts to capture the footage intentionally, further highlighting his manipulative and abusive behavior.
Additionally, Pennell had strangled the woman during one attack, leaving her to believe that her life was in danger. This incident prompted her to seek police assistance and ultimately resulted in Pennell’s arrest.
Pennell was charged with the following offenses:
• Breaching a Restraining Order
• Rape
• Non-Fatal Strangulation
• Three Counts of Voyeurism
Following a trial at Bolton Crown Court, Pennell was found guilty of all charges and sentenced to nine-and-a-half years in prison. The court also placed him on the sex offenders register and issued an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim.
The victim’s bravery in coming forward has been praised by investigators, and her courage is expected to empower other victims of domestic abuse to speak out. This case underscores the ongoing effort by authorities to protect victims and ensure that abusers are held accountable for their actions.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse or violence is encouraged to seek help by contacting the police or confidential services like the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
