CONNOR HELPS SENTENCED IN WARRINGTON FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL

A man named Connor Helps was convicted of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in Warrington town centre. The incident occurred after Helps took the girl to a flat in September 2019. Despite her protests, Helps tried to forcibly assault her—specifically, he attempted to place his hands down her leggings—and continued to assault her during the encounter.

The victim managed to secretly call a family member during the attack, who listened in and heard much of what happened. Arthur Gibson, prosecuting, explained to the court that Helps had known the girl previously, but their contact had ceased when he served time for separate offences. Following his release, Helps reconnected with her and arranged to meet at a flat.

A victim impact statement read aloud highlighted the lasting effects the assault had on her. Richard Orme, defending, acknowledged that although Helps had experienced a rough upbringing—including being placed in foster care after his mother left when he was seven—these factors did not justify his actions. Orme stated, “His behaviour in this case is inexcusable,” but also noted that Helps’ childhood difficulties could explain why he 'went off the rails' in his early twenties.

Judge Stuart Driver, QC, emphasized the severity of the offence, particularly because the victim had already endured trauma from a previous sexual offence, although Helps was likely unaware of this. The judge described the girl as vulnerable and only 17 years old, noting the significant impact the incident had on her.

Helps, who was found to have no fixed address, was sentenced to 38 months in prison after pleading guilty to assault by penetration. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. He received an extra one-month sentence for failing to attend a previous court hearing, which will run concurrently.