A Dry Drayton Paedophile, Christopher Downes, with “complete disregard for the law,” placed the head of a youngster he was acquainted with onto an indecent image. Christopher Downes had been on the Sex Offenders Register for merely two months when an account associated with him on picture editing software was utilised to modify the image.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) alerted the police. Christopher Downes, 31, was apprehended at his residence on Oak Crescent, Dry Drayton, on March 12, and his mobile phone and tablet were confiscated.
The analysis revealed the presence of 41 obscene photographs of children, including 12 classified as category A, the most serious classification. Seven inappropriate movies with minors were discovered, three of which were classified as category A.
During the police questioning Downes declined to comment on all enquiries. On March 21, Christopher Downes entered a guilty plea to three counts of producing obscene pictures of minors at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court. He received a sentence of one year and six months in jail at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday, March 28.
DC Andrew McKeane, who investigated, said: “Christopher Downes had only been on the Sex Offenders Register since January, and to offend so soon after shows his complete disregard for the law and entrenched views on the matter. A child is victimised when an indecent image is taken and every time it is viewed or shared.
“Protecting young people from harm is one of our top priorities and we have specially trained officers who are there to support victims and bring offenders to justice. I am grateful for the work of our partner agencies, who are imperative in safeguarding the most vulnerable in our society. We will not stop pursuing people who are willing to place children at risk of harm and will work tirelessly to put them before the courts.”
Anyone who is concerned someone may have been convicted of a sex offence, and could be posing a risk to a child, can apply for disclosure information through Sarah’s Law. Anyone who looks out for the welfare of a child can make an enquiry. This can include parents, carers, guardians, extended family, friends and neighbours.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.