Swindon child rapist Martin Connolly sentenced to 19 years

SWINDON CHILD RAPIST MARTIN CONNOLLY SENTENCED TO 19 YEARS

A REMORSELESS child rapist named Martin Connolly, known also as Mark, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for a series of sexual abuses spanning from the 1960s to the 2000s.

The court heard that Connolly, aged 77, showed "no remorse" for his crimes, which included the repeated rape of a girl aged seven to 12, molesting a boy aged six or seven, attempting to rape a girl aged 13 or 14, groping another child between four and 12, and abusing a final victim at 13 or 14.

The judge, Tim Mousley QC, described the abuse as "sustained, systematic, gross abuse of vulnerable young children," including rape, grooming, and attempts by Connolly to get victims to watch pornography.

Connolly, who admitted three counts of rape, one attempted rape, 11 indecent assaults, and gross indecency, had been standing trial when he made admissions in the witness box and later requested to be re-pleaded, admitting most charges.

The court noted that because his offences predate the 2003 law change, he must serve two-thirds of his sentence before parole eligibility.

He is likely to die behind bars, as his age and health conditions, including high blood pressure, depression, and a history of army service, will prevent early release.

Det Con Nick Bishop expressed satisfaction with the sentence and highlighted the bravery of the victims, while an NSPCC spokesperson called Connolly a "serial sex offender" responsible for horrific acts on young children, emphasizing the lasting impact on victims and encouraging support services like ChildLine.