A VILE rapist who was caught out by a baby monitor after secretly filming his horror sex attacks has been jailed.

Connor Pennell left his victim fearing she would die after strangling her and flouted a restraining order to gain access to her.

The 27-year-old also threatened to release images of the woman if she came forward about his crimes.

His reign of terror was finally exposed when he told police to search his phone in a bid to clear his name.

But officers instead discovered a chilling cache of videos captured on a baby monitor that showed Pennell raping his victim.

He has now been jailed for nine-and-a-half years after being convicted of rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and voyeurism.

The fiend, from Skelmersdale, Lancashire, was also found guilty of breaching his restraining order and strangulation.

In a victim impact statement, the woman told Bolton Crown Court how she was a “funny, bubbly, loyal young girl” looking forward to her future.

She continued: “He stripped pretty much every aspect of my life away and has changed the course of my future. I’m not the same person I was.

“Connor made me re-live it all, sitting in this court, surrounded by strangers watching videos of myself in an extremely personal state that haunts me.

“I have flashbacks of everything he has done to me and flashbacks of the trial.

“I hope that sentencing will help other Victims of Domestic violence and sexual crimes come forward and show them that their voices will be heard, and that justice will be served.”

The woman also told how “once the abuse stops it doesn’t mean it’s over” and that she is now trying to learn to “love myself” again.

She added: “Connor is a danger to women and children, and I pray that today’s sentencing reflects how powerful it is what one man’s damage can cause.”

Pennell was made subject to the protection from harassment order after he was charged with battery and strangulation against his victim.

But the predator continued to abuse the woman – sending her abusive messages and threatening her in person.

After fearing Pennell would kill her, the woman bravely contacted police and he was arrested.

The fiend maintained his innocence and insisted his phone held evidence that would back up his version of events.

Officers then uncovered the sick footage showing Pennell raping the woman – who was unaware she was being filmed.

As well as a jail sentence, he was handed an indefinite restraining order on the victim and will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

Detective Constable Amy Stewart from our Wigan district said; “Pennell had a complete disregard for women and is an extremely dangerous individual.

“The bravery of the victim in coming forward and then having the confidence and belief in us to be able to support a prosecution will hopefully help her as she tries to rebuild her life after what was a horrific time for her, with Pennell now facing the consequences.

“His misogynistic attitude towards women was clear for all to see in the end once we uncovered the shocking and disturbing evidence.

“I want to stress the importance to anyone out there who may be a controlling relationship to please, when possible, to reach out and speak to us as we can help and ensure you receive the necessary support.

“No life should be overshadowed by those who are intent on causing unnecessary and traumatic abuse.”

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