Man jailed for raping woman, 18, after night out

A man who sexually assaulted and raped an 18-year-old woman at her friend's house following a night out has been jailed.

Chester Crown Court heard Declan Marno, 24, attacked the teenager on 28 March 2025 and that she had passed out during the ordeal.

Marno, of Chester, was sentenced to six years in prison after admitting both sexual assault and rape at a previous court hearing in February.

He has also been put on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

Cheshire Police said the victim challenged the behaviour of Marno the morning after the attack, telling him she remembered what he had done.

Marno admitted his actions and was arrested and taken into custody.

However, he then gave officers a pre-written statement denying any wrongdoing and refused to answer any of their questions.

Despite this, he later pleaded guilty during his first court appearance.

Detective Constable Emma Flanagan said: "I cannot imagine how traumatising this experience will have been for the victim, a young woman who had enjoyed a night out in the city centre surrounded by people whom she believed she could trust to look out for her.

"Declan Marno abused this trust and acted upon his own selfish desires in the pursuit of sexual gratification, preying on her when she was at her most vulnerable and not once taking her feelings, wishes or consent into consideration."

She said that "whilst sadly, nothing can be done to turn back the clock on what has happened, I do hope that now Marno has been held accountable for his actions and has been put behind bars for the next six years, the victim can begin the process of healing.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank her for the bravery and strength she has shown throughout this entire investigation."

Read more stories from Cheshire on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.