Man jailed for 27 years for sexual offences

Yorkshire Photography

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire February 20, 2017 03:29:03 PM


A 61-year-old man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison after being found guilty by jury of 13 counts of various sexual offences against six victims, who had been aged between 5 and 19-years-old.


Shaun Connealy, 61, of Blackfriars Road, Great Yarmouth, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 16 February), to receive his sentence after being found guilty of the offences at an earlier trial.


An investigation was launched into Connealy in 2014 after South Yorkshire Police were passed information by Avon and Somerset Police, who had been contacted by one of the victims.


Detective Constable Rachael Ellis who investigated the case said: “This has been a lengthy and thorough investigation that has involved interviewing victims and witnesses, who had been exposed to Connealy when he committed these despicable crimes.


“After conducting an interview with the first victim who had the courage to come forward, Connealy was interviewed by police in 2014. He was then later re-interviewed in 2015 after we became aware of a further five victims Connealy had preyed on for his own sexual gratification.


“Connealy, who committed the offences between 1977 and 1994 in Sheffield, Rotherham and Skegness, pleaded not guilty to all of the offences against him, forcing the victims to have to relive the horrific details in court.


“I would like to thank all of the victims for having the bravery to come forward and stand up in court. Their commendable actions and heroism have allowed us to put Connealy behind bars where he belongs.


“South Yorkshire Police are committed to bringing perpetrators of sexual abuse before the courts and it is sentences like this that demonstrate our dedication, to do everything possible to stop them from causing harm to anyone else.


“We encourage everyone to report all forms of abuse to police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”


Please be aware victims of sexual abuse have the right to lifetime anonymity.


South Yorkshire Police do not hold a photo of Connealy therefore have been unable to publish one.


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