ADAM CONNOLLY FROM WIDNES JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN RUNCORN

In a disturbing series of criminal acts, Adam Connolly, a 30-year-old man from Widnes, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple sexual offenses involving teenage girls. The incidents took place in Runcorn, and the court heard harrowing details of Connolly’s actions that have left lasting scars on his victims.

According to the prosecution, Oliver King, during the proceedings at Chester Crown Court, detailed how Connolly had sexually assaulted two teenage girls and subsequently filmed himself with his hands around the throat of a third girl. The court was presented with evidence that painted a disturbing picture of Connolly’s predatory behavior.

The first victim, a teenage girl, was asleep when Connolly groped her below her top. She awoke suddenly and, upon asking what he was doing, Connolly shockingly responded that he “thought she liked it.” This assault left her shaken, and her testimony revealed the emotional toll it took on her. The court also learned that Connolly had been in possession of photographs of this girl, which he had saved on his phone, indicating premeditation and a disturbing level of fixation.

The following year, Connolly targeted a second girl. He covered her face and ran his hand over her body, asking if she “wanted a cuddle.” She firmly refused, saying “no,” but Connolly’s actions persisted. When arrested, Connolly denied the assaults, claiming that his first victim was “unreliable” and that he had “inadvertently” touched the second girl’s shoulder. However, his phone’s data contradicted his claims, revealing that he had been viewing images of the second girl on the day of the assault, alongside pictures of the first victim.

Further evidence uncovered during the investigation included indecent videos of a third girl. The footage showed Connolly placing his hands around her neck and appearing to strangle her, a deeply disturbing act that contributed to his conviction. Magistrates’ court documents confirmed that these offenses occurred in Runcorn.

In addition to the assaults, authorities found that Connolly possessed a Category A indecent video of a child, which further demonstrated his dangerous and predatory behavior. His criminal record also includes two previous convictions related to carrying weapons, highlighting a pattern of concerning conduct.

Victims of Connolly’s crimes provided impact statements that revealed the profound and lasting effects of his actions. The first girl described suffering from sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and strained relationships following the assault. The second victim shared that she had begun to push people away and had reduced her social activities, feeling “disgusted” and “angry” about what had happened to her. Although a statement from the third victim was not provided, the court acknowledged the severity of her ordeal.

As the case concluded, Connolly pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault and one count of making a Category A indecent video of a child. Judge Patrick Thompson, presiding over the case, imposed strict sentences, including restraining orders for the two younger victims and a lifetime registration on the sex offenders register. The sentences were consecutive, with 18 months for each sexual assault and five years for the indecent video, totaling eight years of imprisonment.

Judge Thompson expressed his condemnation of Connolly’s actions, stating, “It seems to me, having read everything I have about you and the circumstances of these offences, and having seen the victims in counts one and two cross-examined, that you have an unhealthy sexual interest in children and I notice in the pre-sentence report you are assessed as a danger to children under the age of 18.” A victim surcharge was also ordered as part of the sentence. For legal reasons, the victims’ identities remain protected, but the court’s verdict underscores the seriousness of Connolly’s crimes and the ongoing impact on those affected.