Overview
- A jury at Liverpool Crown Court convicted John Callaway of rape, leading to a 13-year prison term with a three-year extended licence and an indefinite restraining order.
- Prosecutors said the 19-year-old student became separated from friends in March 2023 before Callaway drove her to a secluded cul-de-sac off West Derby Road and raped her in his van.
- CCTV showed Callaway loitering, staying with the intoxicated victim for about 15 minutes, putting his arm around her and kissing her, which she did not remember.
- Judge Louise Brandon found the offence involved abduction and prolonged detention and said Callaway posed a significant risk to young, lone women.
- The defence noted he had no prior convictions, maintained his innocence, and was engaging with mental health services in custody after a period of personal difficulties.