DAVID MELLOOR FROM LITTLE SUTTON CAUGHT IN BREACH OF SEX OFFENDER ORDER NEAR CHESTER

In a serious development, David Harry Mellor, aged 76, a resident of Childer Crescent in Little Sutton, found himself in court facing allegations of violating a court-imposed sexual offences prevention order. The incident took place in the Chester area, where Mellor was accused of attending table tennis gatherings in the company of individuals under the age of 16, despite restrictions placed upon him due to his prior convictions.

According to court records, Mellor had previously been convicted of 17 separate offences related to the possession and distribution of indecent photographs of children. His criminal history led to a significant sentence in July 2007, when he was handed a three-year community order and was required to register as a sex offender for a period of five years. These measures were part of the court’s efforts to monitor and restrict his activities following his serious offences.

During a hearing at the magistrates' court, Mellor pleaded guilty to four separate breaches of the five-year sexual offences prevention order that had been imposed on him. The prosecution, led by Alison Warburton, highlighted concerns that Mellor, who is known to be an avid angler, was suspected of engaging in grooming behaviors with three young boys near his residence. The court was informed that one of the conditions of his order explicitly prohibited him from being in any location with a child under the age of 16.

Ms. Warburton also revealed that Mellor had been actively involved in the table tennis community, coaching children as young as five years old. Despite his involvement, Mellor had not undergone a criminal records bureau check, raising further concerns. During the investigation into his previous offences, the governing body of table tennis had already banned him from participating in any official capacity within the sport.

Further complicating the case, the head of child protection for the Table Tennis Association contacted authorities on June 13 after discovering that Mellor had re-engaged with the sport. It was reported that Mellor had been seen at table tennis events from October of the previous year through April of this year, which was a clear violation of the restrictions placed upon him.

Given the seriousness of the breaches, magistrates ordered additional reports to be prepared and decided to adjourn the sentencing hearing until September 12, allowing for a thorough review of the case and the appropriate legal response.