Locations
Oak Crescent, Dry Drayton, Cambridge, CB23
Description
A Cambridgeshire sex offender with "complete disregard for the law" superimposed the head of a child he knew onto an indecent image. Christopher Downes had been on the Sex Offenders Register for just two months when a photo editing software account linked to him was used to alter the image.
It was flagged to police by the National Crime Agency (NCA). Downes, 31, was arrested at his home on Oak Crescent, Dry Drayton on March 12 and his 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.
When interviewed by police Downes answered no comment to all questions. On March 21 he pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent images of children at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court. He was sentenced to a year and six months in prison at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday (March 28).
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.