Callan Hennessey, 22, has been jailed for nine-and-a-half years after raping and violently assaulting a 16-year-old girl, leaving her with two black eyes and a swollen jaw.
Hennessey was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday, August 27, after being found guilty of one count of rape. He had also pleaded guilty to assault, strangulation, creating indecent images and a further assault. The offences took place over a period of around six weeks last year.
Investigation launched after hospital visit
Police launched an investigation in April 2025 after a relative of the girl contacted officers following a hospital visit. The teenager, who was 16 at the time, had suffered two black eyes, bleeding to her ear, a swollen jaw and other abrasions to her head and face.
Greater Manchester Police said enquiries over the following weeks established that Hennessey had assaulted and raped the girl in separate incidents. When officers attended an address on April 8, they found bedsheets covered in the victim's blood. A relative had also seen blood on Hennessey following the incident, police said.
Sentencing and victim support
The rape happened several weeks before the assault in April. Hennessey, of Ferndene Road, Manchester, will also be subject to an indefinite restraining order and placed on the sex offenders register for life.
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."
Anyone experiencing abuse can report it to Greater Manchester Police via 101 or its website, or call 999 in an emergency. Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester can be contacted on 0161 276 6515. Greater Manchester Rape Crisis can be reached on 0161 273 4500, while Survivors Manchester can be contacted on 0161 236 2182.
