Registered sex offender jailed after ignoring court restrictions

A registered sex offender who was serving a suspended sentence has been jailed after pleading guilty to online child sex offences.

David Kay, 62, from Atherton appeared at Bolton Crown Court today, Tuesday 21 January, where he was sentenced to four years in prison.

Kay was issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order back in August 2024, following a conviction for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and attempt to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 16 as part of an investigation led by Greater Manchester Police. 

The conditions of the order prohibited Kay from having any contact with a child under 16 years old or engaging in any chat online, concerning the sexual abuse of a child. 

Just a month after his conviction, Kay was arrested after detectives from Regional Organised Crime Units in the North West and South Wales gathered evidence that showed he had breached his order by interacting with someone who he believed was a 12 year old child, sending explicit images and videos of himself.

Detective Constable Adam Cronshaw from the NWROCU said:

"As a registered sex offender, Kay was required to adhere to a number of conditions to deter him from reoffending. 

"Kay was fully aware he was talking to someone he believed was just 12 years old, and yet he sent her incredibly graphic images and videos of himself. 

"We work with police forces across the region, and beyond, to ensure that dangerous individuals such as Kay are identified and brought to justice. Kay failed to demonstrate he could be trusted whilst at large in the community and must now reflect on his failure whilst behind bars.’ 

“If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police."

If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support:

NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail [email protected].
Childline – call 0800 1111

If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve.