The HMP Doncaster Rapist, Francis O’Connor, violently attacked his victim by seizing her throat and encircling her neck with his knees, thereafter attempting to rape her while she was asleep.
The woman valiantly succeeded in repelling him and reaching safety, but not before 30-year-old Francis O’Connor seized her throat once more in a further harrowing attack.
Francis O’Connor, from HMP Doncaster, subsequently absconded in the victim’s vehicle and appropriated £300 in cash from her before law enforcement apprehended him.
Following his refusal to comment on any enquiries during a police interrogation, he was indicted on several charges subsequent to an investigation conducted by the PVP team.
During his stay in custody, Francis O’Connor was overheard on a phone call urging a relative to reach out to the victim to persuade her to retract the charges against him.
He instructed the relative to “resolve the issue” and “visit her to converse, then place me on speakerphone.”
A later inquiry was initiated, resulting in Francis O’Connor being charged with the additional felony of attempting to intimidate a witness.
The quality of evidence obtained in both investigations resulted in Francis O’Connor’s guilty plea to charges of witness intimidation, attempted rape, deliberate strangling, affray, theft, and operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.
On Thursday, December 12, he was sentenced to 11 and a half years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court, accompanied by a four-year extended licence period.
Detective Constable Chloe Wharmby, the officer overseeing this case, stated: “Francis O’Connor inflicted a brutal, horrifying, and inexcusable assault on his victim, which has profoundly affected her life.”
“The victim’s experience was profoundly painful, and I would to thank her for her bravery and fortitude in reporting Francis O’Connor’s offences to us.
Despite facing intimidation, she remained steadfast, and I hope Francis O’Connor’s prosecution and conviction will provide her with a feeling of justice and enable her to move forward from this distressing ordeal.
We are unequivocally dedicated to pursuing offenders of sexual assaults and addressing abuse against women and girls.
The PVP team exerted much effort on this case to protect the victim and establish a robust case against Francis O’Connor, culminating in an extended jail sentence.
If you have experienced sexual assault, please report it to us. You will be heard, and we will assist you throughout the process to ensure justice for the victims.
O’Connor is required to register on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely and has been issued a restraining order prohibiting any contact with his victim.
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.