Controlling and coercive man sentenced after baby camera footage captured rape
Connor Pennell, a 27-year-old man from Skelmersdale, was sentenced to 9.5 years in prison for rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, non-fatal strangulation, voyeurism, and breaching a restraining order. The conviction was secured after detectives uncovered footage from a baby camera monitor saved on his phone, which showed the rape of a woman trapped in a controlling relationship. The victim bravely came forward in July 2024, leading to Pennell's arrest. Despite his claims of innocence, evidence revealed his deliberate attempts to record the offences. The victim's impact statement highlighted the severe emotional and psychological toll of the abuse. Pennell was placed on the Sex Offenders Register and given an indefinite restraining order.
Skelmersdale man jailed for nine years over campaign of rape, strangulation and secret filming
A 27-year-old man who raped and repeatedly throttled his former partner while secretly filming her through a baby-monitor camera has been sentenced to nine-and-a-half years in prison.
Connor Pennell, of Vines Cross Way, Skelmersdale, was convicted at Bolton Crown Court on Tuesday (25 March) of rape, three counts of voyeurism, non-fatal strangulation, controlling and coercive behaviour, and breaching a restraining order.
Judge Martin Walsh ordered Pennell to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and imposed an indefinite restraining order banning any contact with the woman.
The court heard that Pennell’s offending spanned months, even after police first spoke to the victim in July 2024 and charged him with battery and harassment. Despite an emergency protection order, he continued to threaten and assault her, warning that he would release intimate images if she reported him.
Detectives uncovered crucial evidence when they examined Pennell’s phone and found footage saved from a baby-monitor camera that showed the rape. The woman, who had been unaware she was being recorded, told officers she feared she would die during one strangulation incident.
In a statement read to the court, the victim said Pennell had “stripped every aspect” of her life, adding:
“I am re-learning to love myself. I will not let him take any more of me.”
DC Amy Stewart, of Greater Manchester Police’s Wigan district, said:
“Pennell showed a complete disregard for women. His misogynistic attitude was laid bare by the shocking evidence we recovered.
”I hope his victim’s bravery encourages anyone living with controlling or violent partners to seek help.”
Support is available 24 hours a day from:
- Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre - 0161 276 6515
- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis - 0161 273 4500
- We Are Survivors (for men) - 0161 236 2182
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