CHRISTOPHER GARVAN, DANGEROUS NORTHAMPTON PAEDOPHILE, JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND IMAGE DISTRIBUTION
In a case that has sent shockwaves through Northampton, Christopher Garvan, a 67-year-old man with a long and troubling criminal history, has been sentenced to a total of three years and three months in prison for serious offences involving child exploitation.The Northampton Crown Court heard that Garvan, who resides on Holmecross Road, was found guilty of creating and sharing indecent images of children, actions that have now led to his incarceration.
The court was informed that Garvan possessed a tablet, which he was explicitly prohibited from having due to his previous convictions.
On this device, police discovered a screenshot from a video and two videos classified as the most severe type of indecent images involving children.
These materials were not only stored on his device but were also shared via Facebook, with Garvan using a different account name but a profile picture of himself.
The sharing took place in November 2020, when he sent the videos to another Facebook user, further demonstrating his ongoing engagement in illegal online activity.
Her Honour Judge Rebecca Crane emphasized the danger Garvan poses, stating, “Children are at very real risk of sexual offences being committed against them [by you], and I do find you dangerous.” Recognizing the significant threat, the judge imposed an extended license period of two years and nine months upon Garvan’s release, ensuring close supervision due to the substantial risk of harm he presents to children.
The investigation into Garvan’s activities was triggered when a manager, visiting his home on November 25 of the previous year, noticed the tablet—an item that police had not previously been aware of.
Given Garvan’s extensive criminal record, which includes 23 convictions, he was under strict instructions regarding his internet access and use of electronic devices.
Despite initial denials, Garvan eventually admitted to possessing the tablet, and authorities uncovered a fake Facebook account along with messages soliciting sexual images from a minor.
Further police inquiries during a subsequent home visit on January 18 revealed a notebook containing names and Facebook account details matching those stored on the tablet.
Although Garvan claimed ignorance of the device and its contents, Judge Crane firmly stated, “It was clearly your notebook,” indicating his direct involvement.
Police established that Garvan had created the indecent images between September 16 and November 25, 2020, and had sent them on November 2 and 8 of that year.
Throughout the proceedings, Garvan attempted to deny any sexual interest in children, but Judge Crane dismissed these claims, asserting, “That was clearly not true.” During sentencing, the judge acknowledged Garvan’s expressions of remorse and his claims that loneliness motivated his actions, viewing these as positive steps towards rehabilitation.
However, she emphasized the importance of treatment and supervision, especially given his history of breaches of the sex offenders register, which he violated in 2014, 2018, and again in November 2020.
Garvan pleaded guilty to these breaches and the charges related to the indecent images at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, leading to his current sentence.
His criminal record includes 23 previous convictions, notably a series of 11 sexual offences committed in 2008, which involved grooming and coercing a child under 13 to watch sexual acts.
These past crimes underscore the severity of his current offences.
He was sentenced to two concurrent 27-month terms for distributing the indecent images and five concurrent 12-month sentences for creating the images and breaching the sex offenders register.
The court ordered that Garvan serve at least two years before being eligible for parole, with the remaining time on licence.
Additionally, he will remain on the sex offenders register for life, reflecting the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
