Man jailed for child sex offences following joint NWROCU/ Police Scotland investigation

Today (Friday 17 July) at Manchester Crown Court, a Manchester man has been jailed for eight years after admitting a series of child sexual offences following a joint investigation by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and Police Scotland

Thomas Maher, 64, of Lane End Road, Burnage, Manchester pleaded guilty to the following offences: 

• Arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence 
• Possession of an indecent image of a child  
• Making indecent photographs of a child  
• possession of extreme pornography.

The court heard that in September 2025, Maher sent messages via a social media platform to someone he believed to be an adult male. During the exchange, he discussed plans to commit serious sexual offences against the man’s daughter, and outlined steps he intended to take to facilitate the abuse.   

The police were alerted to the online activity and established that Maher was already on bail for separate offences relating to indecent images of children. He was subsequently arrested at his home address.  

During a search of his vehicle, officers recovered two syringes and his mobile phone, which contained further evidence of his offending.  

In addition to his term of imprisonment he was also made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite requirement to be on the Sex Offenders Register.

DC Adam Cronshaw of the NWROCU’s Internet Child Abuse Team said: 

“Today’s sentencing reflects the swift and decisive action taken after officers identified Thomas Maher’s deeply disturbing online activity involving discussions of serious sexual harm to a child.  

“The evidence demonstrated a clear intent to commit further offences, and his guilty plea reflects the strength of evidence against him.  

“This investigation highlights our ongoing commitment to protecting children and ensuring those who seek to exploit or harm them are identified, arrested, and brought before the courts.

“This case also demonstrates the value of close collaboration between the NWROCU and Police Scotland. Criminality does not recognise force or national borders, and by working together, law enforcement agencies can identify threats, safeguard the public and bring offenders to justice, wherever they operate. Our shared priority is keeping children and communities safe across the UK.”

Anyone with concerns about child sexual exploitation or abuse is encouraged to report it. Information can be shared with police via 101, or always call 999 in an emergency. 

Support is available through organisations including the NSPCC helpline (0808 800 5000) and Childline (0800 1111) for young people who need advice or someone to talk to.