THE man convicted of the murder of Shirley Leach is likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars, a court has heard, after he was jailed for the rape of an 11-year-old girl.
Serial sex offender Ian O'Callaghan forced the child into a back alley and attacked her, in 2001.
The assault was an act of "revenge" after the girl had told her mother about an earlier incident in which O'Callaghan had exposed himself her.
At the time he was at large following the brutal murder of Bury pensioner Shirley Leach in toilets at Bury Interchange in 1994 — for which he is currently serving a 28-year sentence.
O'Callaghan, aged 51, was today sentenced to 16 years in prison for the rape at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.
Sentencing, Judge John Potter described O'Callaghan as as offender "determined to demean, abuse and significantly harm women" to satisfy his "wicked and selfish desires".
He also praised the courage of the victim, who was present in court, adding: "I hope this goes some in assisting you with closure. Good luck."
More to follow...
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