Rhyl paedophile jailed for grooming young footballer

A 34-year-old man from North Wales has been sentenced to eight years behind bars for a string of child sex offences committed in Wirral.

Daniel Connelly, of East Parade in Rhyl, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday after being found guilty at trial of multiple sexual offences against a boy aged 13 to 15.

The grooming

Connelly, originally from Birkenhead, held a position as a football manager where he targeted and groomed his young victim over a two-year period beginning in 2021. He eventually progressed to engaging in sexual activity with the 13-year-old boy.

The convictions

Following a trial, Connelly was convicted of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child aged 13 to 15, two counts of causing or inciting a boy aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity involving penetration, and two further counts of non-penetrative sexual activity with a boy aged 13 to 15.

The sentence

Alongside his eight-year prison term, Connelly was handed a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim and his mother. He must also sign the Sex Offender Register for life.

The investigation

Merseyside Police confirmed a thorough investigation was carried out into Connelly’s contact with other children during his time coaching football and while working as a teacher at a primary school. No further victims were identified.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Atkinson said: “Connelly abused his position of trust and preyed on a vulnerable child and spent time grooming them over a long period before sexually abusing them when they were alone.

“The victim and his family have showed immense courage and bravery throughout the investigation to reach this conviction, and he is now behind bars to prevent further harm to anyone else.

“I hope this sentencing encourages other victims to come forward and report sex offences to us, and they have confidence in us, as a police force, to take reports seriously where we will ensure offenders are put before the courts so that they can pay for their crimes.

“Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us.

“We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“We urge anyone who is a victim of any form sexual abuse to please report this to police, as we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and in addition, work with partner organisations such as who are there to support victims of this crime.”

Merseyside Police added: “If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve.”

🔵 If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can help – NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 or [email protected] | Childline: 0800 1111