2007: VIOLENT RAPIST JAILED
2007: Violent rapist Steven Connolly has begun serving an indefinite prison sentence after subjecting an 18-year-old woman to a terrifying one-hour attack.During the assault, he taunted his frightened victim with remarks like, 'Is that nice, baby.' Connolly followed her after she disembarked from a bus in Walkden at around 2:30am and started heading home.
The judge, Peter Lakin, sentenced him to an indefinite term with a minimum of three years, stating: "You subjected her to every girl's worst nightmare.
You deliberately exploited her vulnerability as she was walking alone early in the morning.
The judge added: "This was a sustained, violent attack that understandably terrified her, and I believe this trauma will remain with her for the rest of her life." At Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court, it was revealed that the teenager had been out with friends in Manchester and took a late bus home on Saturday, June 3rd of the previous year.
She disembarked on Manchester Road and shortly after, Connolly, who did not know her, approached her while riding his bike.
Despite her attempts to ignore him, he rode in front of her, blocking her path, then pushed her against a restaurant shutter on Bridgewater Road, where he proceeded to attack her.
Connolly covered her mouth to prevent her from crying out and dragged her behind the restaurant, where he raped her.
Despite her efforts to fight him off, she screamed for help, which was heard by nearby residents.
Connolly then got back on his bike and fled the scene.
The victim ran home crying and contacted her friend, with whom she had spent the evening, to inform her of the assault.
Police collected forensic evidence from the victim and matched it through the national DNA database within days, leading to Connolly's arrest.
He admitted to the rape and was sentenced to an indeterminate term with a minimum of three years and 137 days before he could be considered for parole.
Detective Inspector Joanne Rawlinson commented: "This was a horrific and violent sexual assault on an innocent 18-year-old.
Steven Connolly showed complete disregard for her during the attack, despite her efforts to fight him off.
I commend the victim for her bravery in reporting this crime; her strength and maturity have been admirable.
Without her courage, this dangerous individual might still be at large in our community." Following sentencing, the victim’s parents stated: "Our daughter endured a terrible ordeal that will affect her for the rest of her life.
Every woman has the fundamental human right to be protected from monsters like him and others like him."
