DAVID BRADFORD OF MACCLESFIELD SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN CHESTER

On Monday, October 16, 2017, Chester Crown Court handed down a sentence to David Bradford, a man from Macclesfield, for serious offenses related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children. Bradford, who previously served as the choirmaster for St Peter’s Church in Prestbury’s girls’ choir, was sentenced to eight months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service.

As part of his sentencing conditions, Bradford is required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years. He is also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which aims to restrict his activities and prevent further offenses. These legal measures reflect the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing concern for public safety.

The case against Bradford was initiated after authorities uncovered his extensive collection of illegal images. In September 2017, it was revealed that Bradford, aged 50 and residing on Slater Street in Macclesfield, had spent over a decade accumulating hundreds of indecent images of children. His collection included a disturbing number of Category A images, which are classified as the most severe and depict the rape of very young children. The images and videos, totaling 1,659 files, were found on devices at his home, with downloads spanning from January 26, 2002, to December 23, 2016.

Bradford’s criminal activities came to light when he was charged with multiple offenses, including possession of indecent photographs of children, making indecent images, possessing extreme pornographic material, and possessing prohibited images of children. He pleaded guilty to these charges during a court hearing at Stockport magistrates’ court on September 4, 2017. The prosecution, led by Carl Miles, detailed that the illegal material was downloaded over a period of nearly 15 years, highlighting the prolonged nature of his offending.

Legal guidelines for sentencing indicated a starting point of 12 months in custody, with potential sentences ranging from six months to three years, depending on the circumstances. The prosecution also indicated plans to seek a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to further protect the public from any potential risk posed by Bradford.

Bradford’s background includes his role as a musical director for the Prestbury Youth Panto, a position that underscores the disturbing contrast between his community involvement and his criminal conduct. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of his offenses and the ongoing efforts to safeguard children from exploitation and abuse.