A “devious sexual predator” who travelled to Warrington from Devon to carry out numerous sexual offences against young boys has been jailed.
Gary Campbell appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 26 February where he was sentenced to nine years in prison along with an additional five years on licence.
The 60-year-old, of Dolton, Devon, had previously pleaded guilty to six counts of causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, eight counts of sexually assaulting a child, four counts of paying for the sexual services of a child, one count of possession of indecent images of children, one count of taking an indecent image of a child, and two counts of causing a child to look at/watch images/videos of sexual activity.
The case came to the attention of Cheshire Police in July 2023 after concerned parents reported their children had been approached by an unknown man in a subway near Vulcan Close, Warrington.
Between 24 July and 28 July 2023, two children playing outside were approached by Campbell, who had been loitering near the subway, on multiple occasions. During these incidents, Campbell offered the boys cash in exchange for completing perverted acts.
He also approached two other young boys playing near the same subway on 30 July and made similar requests, which included iviting them to kick him in the groin.
An investigation was launched, and Campbell was subsequently identified through CCTV enquiries. He was arrested on 25 August and his mobile phone was seized.
As part of enquiries, the phone was downloaded, and category C indecent images of children were found on the device.
Campbell was later charged with numerous sexual offences against young boys and pleaded guilty.
On top of his custodial sentence, Campbell will be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be on the sex offenders register for life.
DC Danielle Taylor said:“This has been a complex and lengthy investigation which uncovered Campbell’s horrific behaviour towards the most vulnerable members of society.
“It became apparent throughout the investigation that Campbell was a devious sexual predator whose offending saw him prey on young boys, who he targeted whilst they were innocently playing outside.
“Campbell failed to account for his actions on interview and has not shown any remorse throughout this investigation.
“Thanks to the overwhelming evidence that we had against him, he has today received a custodial sentence.
“All of the young victims have been so brave and should be commended for how they have dealt with the whole police investigation. I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to their parents who have supported the investigation from the outset. I am also grateful to the CPS for their assistance with this case.
“I am confident that this sentence passed today will show the public that Cheshire Police take all reports of sexual offending seriously and that we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.
“I hope Campbell uses his time in prison to reflect on the devastating effect that his actions have had.”
