Man jailed for raping woman in Congleton

A man who raped a woman in Congleton in 2021 has been jailed for more than five years.

Daniel Shaw, 32, of Lawton Street, Burslem, was previously found guilty after trial of one count of rape.

He appeared in Chester Crown Court on Monday 7 August where he was sentenced to five years and six months.

The court heard in April 2022, a woman informed police she had been raped by Shaw in December 2021 in Congleton, following a night out.

She had managed to record the incident on her phone.

Shaw was arrested on 9 April 2022 on suspicion of rape and was subsequently charged.

When he was shown the video of the incident in interview, Shaw confirmed it was him in the footage but could not recall what took place and said he was drunk at the time.

He denied raping the victim but was found guilty on Monday 26 June after a six-day trial.

As well as a custodial sentence, Shaw was made subject to an indefinite restraining order, and notification requirements for life.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable James Atherton said:

“I welcome the sentence handed to Shaw and I’d like to thank the victim for her courage throughout the investigation.

“I hope this sentence allows the victim to move forwards, knowing justice has been served and Shaw is now paying the consequences for his actions.

“This should also serve as a reminder that we will do everything we can to tackle crimes of this nature and we encourage those who have been a victim of a sexual offence to speak out.

“You will be taken seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, while offering you help and support. All victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”

To report any sexual offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/%20.

In an emergency always call 999. Information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.