A man has been jailed for raping a 16-year-old girl, as well as brutally assaulting her during a period of six weeks last year.

Callan Hennessey (24/12/03), of Ferndene Road, Manchester, has been jailed for nine-and-a-half-years after pleading guilty to assault, strangulation, the creation of indecent images, and a further assault. He was found guilty of one count of rape.

He received his sentence today (27 August) at Manchester Crown Court.

The investigation began in April 2025, when a relative of the victim of Hennessey contacted the police, after the girl, then 16, had attended hospital with injuries including two black eyes, bleeding to her ear, a swollen jaw and other abrasions to her head and face.

Following extensive enquiries over the following weeks, which also saw Hennessey arrested, officers found that he had assaulted and raped the girl in separae incidents, with her injuries drawing the attention of family members.

When officers attended an address on 8 April 2025, officers discovered bedsheets covered in his victim’s blood. Hennessey was also seen to have himself had blood on him by a relative following the incident.

Hennessey plead guilty to assault and strangulation, while being found guilty of rape following a trial. The rape occurred several weeks before the assault in April.

He will also now be subject to an indefinite restraining order and will be placed on the sex offender’s register for life.

Hennessey’s victim has supported the investigation throughout and bravely told officers about the crimes inflicted on her.

Detective Constable James Carter, from GMP’s City of Manchester CID, said: “Firstly, I want to pay tribute to the victim in this case – this is something no-one should ever have to go through and her bravery and resilience has been remarkable.

“Hennessey violently attacked someone who is several years younger than him – a child – leaving her in a bloodied and terrified state following the incident. His vile actions, including rape and strangulation, now mean he is rightfully behind bars where he belongs.

“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of any similar crimes to please get in touch – we will do what we can to help you and work to get you the justice you deserve.”

Report and support services:

Anyone experiencing abuse can report it to Greater Manchester Police via 101, online through the GMP website, or by calling 999 in an emergency.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

– Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

– Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

– Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

Image supplied by Greater Manchester Police