ALTRINCHAM SEX OFFENDER DAVID GARRITY SENTENCED AFTER ESCAPING TO MEXICO AND LIVING THE HIGH LIFE IN CANCUN

In a case that highlights the serious consequences of failing to adhere to bail conditions and the dangers posed by individuals involved in child exploitation, David Garrity, a resident of Altrincham, has finally been brought to justice after a lengthy international manhunt. Garrity, aged 34 and living on Redcross Road in Timperley, was initially under investigation for possessing and downloading images of child abuse. His criminal activities came to light in June 2008 when a former lover discovered that he had hidden computer equipment at her residence, which contained disturbing images of child pornography.

Further investigations revealed that when police searched Garrity’s home, they uncovered additional illicit material, confirming his involvement in the possession of child abuse images. The severity of his actions was compounded by the fact that he was on bail at the time, awaiting trial for these offenses. Despite the restrictions placed upon him, Garrity made a shocking decision to flee the United Kingdom, traveling to Cancun, Mexico, in an attempt to evade justice.

His departure was facilitated by the fact that his bail conditions did not explicitly prohibit international travel. Border officials at Manchester Airport, during a routine check, identified him through the Police National Computer as being on bail for child pornography offenses. However, Garrity presented a return ticket, which he claimed demonstrated his intention to come back to the UK, and thus, he was allowed to board his flight. It was only after he had left the country that authorities discovered more incriminating evidence on his seized computer and in his home, including additional child abuse images.

While Garrity was enjoying his time in Cancun, he posted photographs online that depicted him engaging in leisure activities with scantily-clad barmaids at a Hooters bar, showcasing a lifestyle that starkly contrasted with his criminal background. During this period, he also left behind his terminally-ill mother, who was suffering from cancer and tragically passed away while he was abroad. Garrity’s absence lasted approximately ten months, during which he remained a fugitive from justice.

His escape finally ended when detectives from Greater Manchester Police, led by Detective Bev Shawcross, coordinated efforts with Interpol and Mexican authorities to locate and extradite him. Garrity was eventually detained in Mexico and returned to the UK, where he faced the consequences of his actions. At Manchester Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to possessing 128 images of child pornography, most of which fell into the second most serious category, and to breaching his bail conditions. The court sentenced him to two years and four months in prison.

In addition to his custodial sentence, Garrity has been ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years and has been permanently banned from working with children. This case underscores the importance of strict enforcement of bail conditions and the ongoing threat posed by individuals involved in child exploitation, especially when they attempt to evade justice through international travel.