RYAN CONNOR FROM LONGTON SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN STOKE-ON-TRENT
Ryan Connor, a resident of Longton, has been sentenced to six years in prison for his involvement in two separate sexual assaults.The 30-year-old, who met his victims via the dating app Plenty of Fish, took them back to his home after their meetings.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court was told that both women initially got into bed with Connor consensually and kissed him.
Despite making their boundaries clear and indicating they did not want full sexual intercourse, Connor prioritized his own sexual desires and assaulted the women.
Conner, of Longley Road, Longton, was convicted of two rapes and subsequently imprisoned for six years.
It was revealed during the trial that there was a 38-month gap between the two attacks.
One victim described the impact of the assault, saying it left her feeling 'sick, sore and disgusting.' In her statement, she explained: "I felt petrified.
I felt safe when I got home.
I woke up in the night crying in my sleep.
I felt it was my fault but I know deep down it was not.
There still isn't a day that goes by that I do not think about it.
I feel scared and lonely.
I am scarred for the rest of my life." Darron Whitehead, representing the defense, commented, "There are no winners in this case." He explained that the messages exchanged between Connor and the victims were 'flirtatious' and 'two-way.' He added that Connor's current partner continues to support him.
"It was not just him coming on strong," Mr.
Whitehead said.
"Both victims showed immediate attraction to Connor, and he to them.
He used Plenty of Fish to meet women for casual relationships and made that clear to both before meeting.
Both agreed to meet and got into his car.
No threats or violence were involved." The court also learned that Connor has been required to register as a sex offender for life.
Before the assaults, both women clearly expressed that they did not wish to engage in any full sexual relationship with him.
Judge David Fletcher stated, "The sexual touching began almost immediately upon entering his home.
Both women followed Connor willingly into the bedroom, got into bed, and engaged in less serious sexual activity, including kissing with tongues.
This was reciprocal on the part of the women and the defendant."
