Who Is Joseph McCann (criminal)? Age, Biography and Wiki
Joseph McCann was born on February 8, 1985, making him 40 years old as of 2025. He is known for being a notorious English serial rapist, whose criminal activities garnered widespread media attention and public outcry. McCann’s life took a dark turn as he was convicted of multiple sexual offenses in 2019, leading to a lengthy prison sentence. His crimes highlighted significant gaps in the criminal justice system and the need for reforms to enhance public safety.
| Occupation | Criminals |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 8, 1985 |
| Age | 40 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country |
Popularity
Joseph McCann (criminal)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details about Joseph McCann’s physical attributes are not widely available in public records. However, it has been reported that he stands approximately 6 feet tall and has an athletic build. His weight is estimated to be around 190 pounds (approximately 86 kg). Measurements such as chest, waist, and hip size are not publicly documented, as the focus remains on his criminal actions rather than his personal life.
While serving his sentence, McCann was assessed by his offender manager as "posing a high risk of serious harm to the public and known adults", as well as a "medium risk" to children, prison staff and prisoners. In 2009, his prison also intercepted letters suggesting that he "posed a risk of sexual harm".
Two years later, police alerted his offender managers to intelligence from 2003 indicating that he "might pose a risk of sexual harm and exploitation to teenage girls". McCann remained in prison for over eight years; the Parole Board rejected his applications for parole in 2010, 2012 and 2014.
He carried out rehabilitation courses and risk-reduction courses and was finally released on licence in March 2017. While McCann served his sentence, his brother Sean killed himself while serving a two-year sentence for assault and other offences at HMP Peterborough.
Sean McCann's death triggered an investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman in 2017 and an inquest in 2019. A "very challenging" prisoner, he had a history of mental health problems, self-harm and drug abuse. After his transferal to HMP Peterborough in January 2016, staff suspected him of bullying prisoners and dealing and abusing drugs.
In late February, he self-harmed and attempted suicide twice. After he assaulted several prisoners, he was removed to a segregation unit, where he damaged his cell, chewed a razor blade and made a ligature, both of which staff removed.
After returning to a normal wing several days later, he was re-segregated after threatening staff and prisoners; he tied a ligature around his neck again but was deemed too volatile to attend an inpatient unit; the following day, he hung himself from a broken light fitting.
The Ombudsman concluded that the prison did not "manage Mr McCann's risk of suicide or self-harm effectively" or produce strategies for dealing with his drug abuse and dealing. See: Nigel Newcomen, Independent investigation into the death of Mr Sean McCann a prisoner at HMP Peterborough on 13 March 2016 (Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, 2017).
The inquest into his death was critical of staff for not moving him from his segregation cell after they noticed that the broken light formed a "ligature point" (Neil Shefferd, "Family of Aylesbury dad who died in his cell say they hope prison will learn from their mistakes", Bucks Herald, 19 February 2019).
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Joseph McCann’s family background is relatively obscure, mainly due to the nature of his crimes overshadowing personal details. As of 2025, he is believed to be single, having faced significant legal consequences that likely impact personal relationships. There is no public information regarding any past romantic relationships or current dating status.
In early April 2019, McCann applied to his local authority to obtain housing for him and a new female partner. When told that they could not house him, he became rude towards staff, who contacted his offender manager. Because his new relationship put him in breach of licence, he was issued with a warning letter on 10 April by probation services.
This was further discussed with him by his offender manager eight days later. On 12 April, his brother Michael was sentenced to six years and 11 months in prison for carrying out a string of handbag thefts, credit card frauds and driving offences in Hertfordshire during 2018.
Net Worth and Salary
While specific figures regarding Joseph McCann’s net worth are difficult to obtain, it can be assumed that his financial situation has been drastically affected by his imprisonment and legal troubles. Typically, individuals in similar circumstances often have limited personal wealth, particularly when facing substantial legal fees and restitution issues. It is unlikely that he has any source of legitimate income or significant assets at this time.
The McCanns moved to Ardwick, also in Manchester, but the boys often returned to their old estate and continued what the Manchester Evening Post called a "campaign of terror". A local police officer told The Guardian that "there was a perception that they [the McCanns] were untouchable.
The three boys caused an enormous amount of problems for local people and committed a range of anti-social behaviour". The police continued to gather evidence from neighbours and, in 1999, McCann and his brothers were subject to one of the United Kingdom's first anti-social behaviour orders (ASBO).
They were banned from "entering the Beswick area [,] ... using or engaging in any abusive, insulting, offensive, threatening or intimidating language or behaviour in the City of Manchester [,] ... threatening or engaging in violence or damage against people or property in the City ... and encouraging others [to do the same]".
The boys were photographed smirking and swearing at journalists after leaving court. Residents of Beswick were said to have been "relieved" by the order; the police reported that crime fell by a third, the burglary rate halved and one supermarket claimed that its revenue rose by £14,000 a week after the ASBO had been imposed.
Career, Business and Investments
Prior to his criminal conviction, McCann held various unremarkable jobs, but no significant career or business ventures have been publicly documented. His criminal history effectively halted any potential career advancement, leading to a life primarily characterized by his offenses rather than achievements. As of 2025, he remains incarcerated, with no opportunities for legal work or investments.
Social Network
Due to the nature of his crimes, Joseph McCann is typically not found on social media platforms. His notoriety means that any attempt at establishing a social presence would likely be met with severe public backlash. McCann’s interactions are largely confined to prison life, away from the public eye, making his engagement in social networks virtually nonexistent.
Education
Information regarding Joseph McCann's educational background is limited. There is no publicly available insight into his formal education, including details about high school or further education. His criminal activities have overshadowed any academic achievements, leaving a gap in the narrative of his life prior to his offenses.
Beginning around 1996, McCann and his brothers "ran a campaign of intimidation and crime" in their neighbourhood. McCann first came into contact with the police at the age of 11. His first conviction was for theft, when he was aged 13, and others followed for criminal damage, possession of a knife and handling stolen goods.
Other incidents reported by the press included stealing and setting fire to vehicles, carrying out muggings, threatening elderly neighbours and intimidating young children attending a homework club. Following complaints from neighbours, the council filmed the brothers vandalising property, damaging cars and throwing bricks at people.
With neighbours and the council gathering evidence against the boys, in 1998 the council evicted the family from their home.
