Daniel Connelly 34

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A paedophile has been jailed for child sex offences committed in Wirral.

Daniel Connelly, 34 years, was sentenced to eight years in prison at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, Wednesday 18 February, and was issued with a restraining order not to contact the victim and his mum, and required to sign the Sex Offender Register for life.

This sentencing relates to child sex offences Connelly, of East Parade in Rhyl but formerly from Birkenhead, committed the sex offences while he was a football manager where he groomed his victim over a two-year period from 2021. He then eventually progressed to engaging in sexual activity with the 13-year-old boy.

Following a trial Connelly was found guilty of Engage in sexual activity in presence of a child 13 to 15 - offender 18 or over, two counts of Cause / incite a boy 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity - offender 18 or over - penetration and two counts of Offender 18 or over engage in non-penetrative sexual activity with boy 13 to 15.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Atkinson said:

“Connelly abused his position of trust and preyed on a vulnerable child and spent time grooming them over a long period before sexually abusing them when they were alone.

“The victim and his family have showed immense courage and bravery throughout the investigation to reach this conviction, and he is now behind bars to prevent further harm to anyone else.

“I would like to reassure everyone that we have carried out a thorough investigation into his contact with other children when he coached football and while working as a teacher at a primary school, and no other victims have come to light.”

Detective Chief Inspector Atkinson added:

“I hope this sentencing encourages other victims to come forward and report sex offences to us, and they have confidence in us, as a police force, to take reports seriously where we will ensure offenders are put before the courts so that they can pay for their crimes.

“Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us.

“We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“We urge anyone who is a victim of any form sexual abuse to please report this to police, as we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and in addition, work with partner organisations such as who are there to support victims of this crime.”