CHRISTOPHER DEMPSTER FROM FAILSWORTH ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD INDECENCY AND FIREARM DISCOVERY IN MANCHESTER

In October 2018, a serious case involving Christopher Dempster, a resident of Failsworth, unfolded in Manchester, revealing disturbing details about his conduct and possession of illicit materials. Dempster, aged 27, was found to possess a collection of indecent images of children, along with extreme pornography, during a police search of his home. The investigation uncovered a total of 11 indecent images classified as Category B and C, with no evidence of Category A images, which are considered the most severe. Additionally, eight images of extreme pornography were recovered from his property, raising significant concerns about his activities.

Police were initially alerted to Dempster’s behavior following reports of inappropriate messages sent to minors. These messages were directed at three boys aged between 15 and 16, who were part of the Ramsbottom-based Cadet Force, where Dempster served as an adult leader. The messages, while deemed inappropriate, did not constitute a criminal offense, as prosecutor Simone Flynn clarified during the court proceedings. At the time, Dempster was also undergoing training to become a special police officer with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), adding a layer of complexity to the case.

During the police search of his residence, officers also discovered a disguised stun gun, which was concealed in a dining room cupboard and labeled as a 'police torch.' Dempster claimed he was unaware that the device was illegal, stating he had purchased it naively about four or five years earlier in Turkey. The court was informed that the police could not determine the stun gun’s power or whether it was operational, as it had been deactivated by authorities. There was no evidence to suggest that Dempster had ever used the stun gun or intended to do so.

Further investigation revealed an 'unsavoury' Skype chat involving discussions about child sexual abuse images and sexual activities with minors. This evidence added to the severity of the case, highlighting the disturbing nature of his online communications. The police also found a USB stick containing indecent images of children and other illicit material, which contributed to the charges against him.

In court, Dempster admitted to possessing indecent images of children classified as B and C, as well as extreme pornography and the disguised firearm. The court heard that he had no previous convictions. The prosecution sought a mandatory five-year sentence for the firearm possession, but Judge Martin Rudland acknowledged the 'exceptional' circumstances of the case. He stated that there was no evidence Dempster had ever used or intended to use the stun gun, and therefore, a custodial sentence for that offence would be disproportionate.

As a result, the judge sentenced Dempster to six months in prison, but this was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities and attend a sex offenders' treatment program. To further protect the public, Dempster was placed on the sex offenders' register for five years and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration, which aims to restrict his internet use and prevent further offending. The case underscores the ongoing concerns about individuals involved in child exploitation and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in safeguarding vulnerable minors in the Manchester area.