A father who preyed on a vulnerable student, promising her a lift home before subjecting her to a brutal rape in the back of his van, has been jailed for 13 years.
A predatory attack in the city centre
John Callaway, 43, was captured on CCTV loitering in Liverpool city centre in March 2023 before approaching the 19-year-old woman. The victim had become separated from her friends after a night out and was heavily intoxicated. Callaway, who was on duty responding to security alarms, spent around 15 minutes with the young woman on a street corner.
The footage showed him putting his arm around the student and kissing her, acts she had no memory of due to her state. He then led her to his van, ostensibly to drive her home safely.
A sustained and planned assault
Instead of taking her home, Callaway drove to a secluded cul-de-sac off West Derby Road. There, in the back of his vehicle, he raped the young woman as she drifted in and out of consciousness. The prosecution at Liverpool Crown Court stated this was not a spontaneous act but a planned offence, arguing Callaway was "looking for a victim" that night.
Judge Louise Brandon described the attack as involving "prolonged detention" and said the victim was "particularly vulnerable". She concluded Callaway had watched the student for some time and deliberately targeted her.
Victim's harrowing impact statement
A statement from the victim was read to the court by prosecutor Arthur Gibson. It revealed the profound trauma she has endured. "Though my life didn't end when I was assaulted, for a long time after it happened, I wished it had," she said.
She described how every van she saw triggered panic attacks and that not a day had passed without her thinking about the attack. "I'm terrified things will never change," her statement concluded.
Sentencing and a lack of remorse
Callaway, of Shakespeare Close in Everton, was found guilty of one count of rape by a jury. Despite having no previous convictions, he was sentenced to 13 years in prison with an extended licence period of three years. He was also given an indefinite restraining order banning contact with his victim.
Judge Brandon labelled him "a very dangerous man, particularly to young, lone women". She noted he had shown no understanding of his actions, no empathy, and no remorse, instead maintaining his innocence and claiming the victim was a consenting participant.
In mitigation, defence barrister Charlotte Kenny said the offence occurred during a period of marital issues and mental health difficulties for Callaway, and that he had since begun engaging with mental health services in prison.
