Crime
Photo editing software traps Cambridgeshire sex offender
A sex offender superimposed the head of a child he knew onto an indecent image, a court heard.
Christopher Downes, of Oak Crescent, Dry Drayton, near Cambridge, was flagged up to police by the National Crime Agency (NCA) after a photo editing software account linked to him was used to alter the image.
The 31-year-old was arrested at his home on 12 March and a phone and tablet were seized.
These were analysed and found to contain 41 indecent images of children, including 12 category A – the most severe.
Seven indecent videos of children were also found, three of which were category A.
In police interview Downes answered “no comment” to all questions but on 21 March he pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent images of children at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court.
He was sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday (28 April) and was jailed for 18 months.
Christopher Downes, of Oak Crescent, Dry Drayton, was flagged up to police by the National Crime Agency (NCA) after a photo editing software account linked to him was used to alter the image.
DC Andrew McKeane, who investigated, said: “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.
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