Daniel Connelly

Daniel Connelly, aged 34, from East Parade in Rhyl but originally from Birkenhead, was convicted and sentenced for multiple child sex offences committed in Wirral. As a football manager, Connelly exploited his position of trust to groom a vulnerable 13-year-old boy over a two-year period starting in 2021. This grooming eventually led to Connelly engaging in sexual activity with the victim when they were alone.

Following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Connelly was found guilty on several counts, including engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child aged 13 to 15 where the offender is 18 or over, two counts of causing or inciting a boy aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity involving penetration where the offender is 18 or over, and two counts of an offender aged 18 or over engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a boy aged 13 to 15. The offences were prosecuted by Merseyside Police, who conducted a thorough investigation into Connelly's interactions with other children during his time as a football coach and as a teacher at a primary school, confirming no additional victims.

On 18 February 2026, Connelly was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment. In addition to the custodial sentence, he was issued with a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim and the victim's mother, and he is required to sign the Sex Offender Register for life. Detective Chief Inspector Phil Atkinson of Merseyside Police commented on the case, stating: '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.' Atkinson further praised the courage of the victim and his family throughout the investigation, noting that the conviction ensures Connelly is now behind bars to prevent further harm.

The case underscores the serious nature of child sexual exploitation within community roles such as sports coaching. Merseyside Police's investigation, as detailed in their official press release dated 19 February 2026, highlights their commitment to pursuing such offenders rigorously.