DAMIEN READ FROM DIDSBURY SENTENCED AFTER BREACHING SEXUAL HARM PREVENTION ORDER IN MANCHESTER AND OLDHAM

In June 2022, Damien Read, a known sex offender residing in Didsbury, was sentenced to a substantial prison term after being found guilty of breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO). The incident that led to his conviction occurred in Oldham, where police arrested him following a series of concerning actions that highlighted his ongoing risk to the public.

Read, aged 24 and living on Wilmslow Road in Didsbury, had previously accumulated a troubling record of convictions related to sexual offences against minors. His latest breach was particularly serious, involving an incident on September 8, 2021, when he escaped from a 24-hour supported accommodation facility where he was being monitored. Despite wearing a GPS tracker, Read managed to flee the premises and was later located by police engaging in suspicious activity.

During the police encounter, Read was found speaking with a young boy, who was later confirmed to be only 12 years old. The boy informed officers that he had been with Read for approximately an hour, during which they had planned to take a walk to Daisy Nook. Disturbingly, the boy also revealed that Read had asked him whether he had engaged in sexual activity, raising serious concerns about potential exploitation.

Judge Maurice Greene described Read’s conduct on that day as a “very serious breach” of the court’s orders, emphasizing that being in the company of a 12-year-old boy for an hour and discussing sex could have led to further sexual activity. The judge underscored the clear reasons why Read should not have been in contact with children, given his extensive criminal history.

Read’s criminal record includes ten previous convictions for sixteen offences, many of which involved sexual misconduct. Notably, in 2015, he faced charges for sexual activities with a child under 15. In 2018, he was charged with attempting to meet a girl under 16 after grooming her, and in 2019, he received a suspended sentence for engaging in sexual communications with a minor.

During the court proceedings, his defense lawyer, Andrew Evans, requested that the judge consider Read’s mental health issues and learning disabilities, which he argued contributed to his behavior. Despite these mitigating factors, Judge Greene labeled Read a “very high risk” to the community and sentenced him to 32 months in prison.

In a separate case from August 2019, Read’s disturbing behavior was further highlighted when he was caught grooming a 14-year-old girl. During police visits to his Wilmslow Road home, officers discovered a mobile phone that was not capable of internet access, in violation of his SHPO, which prohibited him from possessing devices capable of internet browsing unless they retained browsing history.

Further investigation revealed that Read had been communicating with the girl, who he falsely claimed was also 14, despite her being only 14. The girl had sent him a picture of herself, which he described as “really hot and sexy,” and expressed a desire to have children with him. When questioned, Read admitted to police that he loved being a sex offender and enjoyed speaking to schoolgirls.

Police also found that Read frequented the Withington Library almost daily, and CCTV footage showed him performing a sex act on himself while using a computer there. Although he could have been charged with indecent exposure, no other members of the public were present at the time, so no charges were filed.

Throughout his interactions, Read demonstrated a blatant disregard for court orders and the law. His history of breaches and his attitude during arrest and detention underscored his ongoing risk. Despite his learning disabilities and immature behavior, the court recognized the danger he posed and opted for a suspended sentence of 20 months, with conditions including an indefinite new SHPO. This order restricts his access to public libraries unless prior approval is obtained.

Judge David Stockdale QC emphasized Read’s awareness of the court’s orders and his blatant defiance, noting that Read had recited the terms of his SHPO but continued to reoffend as soon as he believed he could. The judge highlighted that Read’s actions demonstrated a clear understanding of their criminal nature but also a troubling pattern of deliberate non-compliance. The court acknowledged his learning difficulties but stressed that his behavior was unacceptable and posed a significant threat to the community.

In conclusion, Damien Read’s case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the justice system in managing repeat offenders with complex needs. His sentences reflect a recognition of his dangerousness, balanced with considerations of his mental health and potential for rehabilitation, including support in secure accommodation. The court’s rulings serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and strict enforcement of court orders to protect vulnerable minors from predatory individuals like Read.