Discovery of abusive material leads to 14-year prison sentence

The discovery of an abusive video on an old mobile phone has led to a 14-year prison sentence.

Warren Conn was arrested in January 2026 after a woman found a 25-minute clip of him sexually assaulting her several years earlier when he lived in Sandwich. She had no memory of the recording being made and had never consented to the sexual activity depicted. Following a detailed digital forensic investigation, further videos were uncovered indicating that Conn had raped her.

He was arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland at his home address in County Armagh, where he had returned after living in Kent.

Searches of his home uncovered two mobile phones and a laptop. These were seized and handed over to Kent Police’s Digital Forensics Unit. An investigation into the devices found a large quantity of indecent images of children.

PSNI officers handed Conn over to Kent Police officers in Belfast, and he was flown back to Kent for the investigation to be continued.

The 50-year-old was remanded in custody and was later charged with 15 sexual offences including rape and possession of indecent images of children. After three interviews across two days, he admitted the offences and entered guilty pleas to all charges.

On Thursday 28 May 2026, Conn, formerly of Kings Park Mews, Lurgan, was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court to 14 years’ imprisonment.

Detective Constable Joe Warner said:

‘This case shows that no matter how much time has passed, victims can still come forward, and they will be taken seriously. ‘I want to commend the victim for her courage and her continued support throughout this complex investigation. Her bravery in reporting these horrific offences has ensured that Conn was held accountable.’