Connor Pennell, a convicted offender born on 05/10/1997 and residing at Vines Cross Way, Skelmersdale, was sentenced to nine and a half years at Bolton Crown Court on Tuesday, 25 March 2025, after being found guilty of violating a restraining order, rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, non-fatal strangulation, and three counts of voyeurism.
He will be registered on the Sex Offenders Register and is subject to an indefinite restraining order regarding the victim.
Connor Pennell was convicted when detectives discovered footage on his phone from a baby monitor, depicting the horrible rape of a woman who was ensnared in a dominating relationship with him.
In July 2024, concerns were expressed in Wigan when cops spoke with the victim who courageously reported the incident. He was previously charged with violence and strangulation, at which time a protection from harassment order was also instituted. His misconduct continued days, weeks, and months later, and after the acquisition of additional evidence, he was subsequently charged with the aforementioned charges in July 2024.
He employed controlling and coercive conduct, together with threatening behaviour, to disseminate intimate photographs if it was disclosed that he had violated his order. Over an extended duration, his demeanour towards the victim, despite her refusal to continue the relationship and the absence of consent, escalated to aggressive and abusive behaviour both in person and by text.
Upon arrest and interrogation, Pennell asserted his innocence and presented an alternative account of events, claiming to the authorities that his phone would corroborate his statements. This was entirely inaccurate, since the data retrieval revealed contrary evidence of intentional efforts to capture film on the baby monitor of the offences, of which the victim was oblivious.
On one occasion, the victim thought she was going to die after Connor Pennell strangled her. Prompting her to report it due to the fear she had on her life.
After bravely disclosing the incidents in confidence to our officers, at court the victim in her impact statement highlighted the struggles she has been through: “Before I met Connor, I was a funny, bubbly, confident, loyal, young girl, and I had many friends who I loved, and a whole family who I loved with all my heart and who loved me, I had a life and a future to look forward to. He stripped pretty much every aspect of my life away and has changed the course of my future. I’m not the same person I was.
“Connor made me re-live it all, sitting in this court, surrounded by strangers watching videos of myself in an extremely personal state that haunts me. I have flashbacks of everything he has done to me and flashbacks of the trial.
“I hope that sentencing will help other Victims of Domestic violence and sexual crimes come forward and show them that their voices will be heard, and that justice will be served.
“It’s a long road to recovery because once the abuse stops it doesn’t mean it’s over, survivors always say the bruises disappear but the mental aspect of it takes much longer and they are right, so I am relearning to love myself. I will not let him take any more of me. Connor is a danger to women and children, and I pray that today’s sentencing reflects how powerful it is what one man’s damage can cause.”
On Connor Pennell being put behind bars, Detective Constable Amy Stewart from our Wigan district said; “Pennell had a complete disregard for women and is an extremely dangerous individual.
“The bravery of the victim in coming forward and then having the confidence and belief in us to be able to support a prosecution will hopefully help her as she tries to rebuild her life after what was a horrific time for her, with Pennell now facing the consequences.
“His misogynistic attitude towards women was clear for all to see in the end once we uncovered the shocking and disturbing evidence.
“I want to stress the importance to anyone out there who may be a controlling relationship to please, when possible, to reach out and speak to us as we can help and ensure you receive the necessary support. No life should be overshadowed by those who are intent on causing unnecessary and traumatic abuse.”
Support available:
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
- Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
- We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.