CHRISTOPHER CHAMINGS CAUGHT IN ALLSTREE LIBRARY LOOKING AT CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN DERBY

In a disturbing incident at Allestree, Derby, a known sex offender was apprehended while browsing inappropriate images on a computer within the local library. The court proceedings revealed that Christopher Chamings, a resident of Park Farm Drive in Allestree, was caught in the act of viewing semi-naked young boys on a library computer, an act that has once again brought his criminal history into focus.

According to the Derby Crown Court, Chamings, aged 69, had previously served time for creating indecent images of children. He was released from prison halfway through a sentence of four years and three months, handed down in 2008 after he pleaded guilty to charges related to the production of child pornography. As part of his sentence, he was subjected to an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, which specifically prohibited him from accessing the internet without appropriate controls in place.

Despite these restrictions, the court heard how Chamings was caught in the act once more. A librarian at Allestree library observed his suspicious activity on October 10, noticing that he was viewing what she described as 'dodgy images.' These images depicted boys wearing trousers or jeans, but who were topless. The librarian's vigilance did not end there. On October 14, she saw Chamings again on the internet, and as she approached him, he quickly minimized the screen. However, upon a second look, she identified that he was viewing an image of a young, naked boy sitting sideways on a chair.

Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the librarian contacted Derby City Council’s library services, which in turn called the police. Chamings was promptly arrested. During police interviews, he admitted that he had breached his sexual offences prevention order by visiting the library to view such images. He explained to officers that 'the temptation was too great,' a statement that underscores the ongoing struggle he faces with his compulsions.

Chamings' criminal history is extensive. In 2008, police discovered nearly 5,000 images of child pornography stored on his computer and CDs, with evidence indicating he had superimposed faces of young boys over indecent images. His previous convictions also include a 2006 jail sentence of 27 months, along with an indefinite ban from working with children, after admitting to 15 charges of making indecent images of children and possessing additional indecent images.

During the recent court hearing, Judge John Burgess sentenced Chamings to a three-year community order. The judge emphasized the gravity of his actions, stating, 'I hope you know by now that what you do is not a victimless crime. The images you look at involve the exploitation and abuse of young children.'

Representing Chamings, solicitor Richard Posner acknowledged his client’s awareness of the harm caused by his offences. He remarked that Chamings, who is approaching his 70th birthday, had led a relatively blameless life until his 60s. Mr. Posner expressed regret that his client had effectively wasted a significant portion of his retirement years engaging in such criminal behaviour, highlighting the tragic toll these actions have taken on his life.