Ex-Motorcycle Champion Jailed 18 Years for Raping 7-Year-Old; Judge Slams Denial of Responsibility

Ex-Motorbike Champion Jailed for 18 Years After raping Seven-Year-Old Girl
By Jack Fifield and Jack Tooth | Updated: 14:33 GMT, 9 February 2025

Connor Behan, a 33-year-old former superbike racing champion, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the rape and sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl. Behan, from Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire, was also handed a lifelong restraining order at Chester Crown Court on Friday. Judge Michael Leeming condemned Behan for showing “no responsibility, empathy, or awareness” for his crimes, adding that the disgraced racer engaged in “victim-blaming” during court proceedings.

Rise and Fall of a Racing Star

Behan rose to prominence in the motorsport world, racing superbikes between 2004 and 2015. In 2014, he clinched the Irish Road Race Super Twins Championship and competed in prestigious events like the Isle of Man TT. However, his career came to a halt after police investigated him in 2022 when his young victim bravely reported his abuse to her teacher.

Connor Behan, 33, was convicted of raping a child and sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Evidence and Trial

Forensic evidence played a pivotal role in securing Behan’s conviction. A police semen detection dog identified traces of his DNA on the victim’s blanket. Despite denying all charges, a jury found him guilty of rape, sexual assault, and engaging in sexual activity in front of a child following a week-long trial in 2024.

The court heard that Behan’s abuse began in May 2019 when the girl was just seven years old, with multiple assaults occurring over several years. Prosecutor Mark Connor described how the attacks left the victim with lasting physical and psychological trauma. In a heart-wrenching statement, the victim said, “I cannot be close to anyone. It affects everything, and I take it out on my family and friends.”

Judge’s Condemnation

Judge Leeming rejected Behan’s attempts to downplay his actions, noting his lack of remorse. “You accept no responsibility for your actions and continue to deny them, but I cannot accept it,” he declared. Behan’s defense lawyer, Adam Watkins, cited struggles with alcohol and drugs following his father’s death but acknowledged this did not excuse his crimes.

Behan raced superbikes professionally before his arrest in 2022.

Aftermath and Legacy

Behan will remain on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely. His case has sparked outrage, particularly given his former status as a celebrated athlete. The judge emphasized the severity of the sentence, stating it reflected both the harm inflicted and the need to protect society.

The victim’s family expressed relief at the verdict but underscored the long road to healing. Authorities praised her courage in coming forward, urging other survivors to seek support.

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• Quotes from victim advocates or legal experts.
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