DANTE INGHAM-MARSTERS FROM MARSTERS SENTENCED FOR ONLINE SEX OFFENCES IN BOLTON

In May 2022, a man named Dante Ingham-Marsters from the Marsters area was convicted of serious sexual offences involving a teenage girl. The court heard that Ingham-Marsters, who was already under a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), engaged in disturbing online activities that led to him persuading a girl under the age of 16 to perform sexual acts for him.

According to court proceedings, Ingham-Marsters made contact with the young girl through social media platforms, primarily TikTok, and used various other social media sites to communicate with her. The court was informed that he watched her perform sexual acts on at least two separate occasions and incited her to engage in sexual activities on at least three occasions. These interactions were not only inappropriate but also illegal, given the victim's age and the nature of their exchanges.

Following his arrest, Ingham-Marsters admitted to having spoken with the girl. However, he claimed that their conversations were not sexual in nature, a statement that the court did not accept. The victim, in her statement, described the emotional toll the incidents had taken on her. She expressed feelings of being 'emotionally abused' and revealed that she now finds it difficult to trust anyone. She also disclosed that she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a direct result of the abuse she endured.

Judge Bernadette Baxter, presiding over the case at Minshull Street Crown Court, classified Ingham-Marsters as a ‘dangerous’ offender. She emphasized that the jury’s rejection of his denials and their acceptance of the victim’s testimony underscored the severity of his actions. The judge highlighted the impact on the victim’s mental health and self-confidence, noting that she is fortunate to have the support of her family during this difficult time.

Ingham-Marsters, who resides on Bollin Avenue in Bowdon, was sentenced to a total of seven-and-a-half years in prison. Additionally, he will serve a further two years on extended licence after his release. The court determined that he would spend at least two-thirds of his sentence behind bars before being eligible for parole. Upon release, he will remain under supervision for the remainder of his extended licence period.

Furthermore, the judge pointed out Ingham-Marsters’ troubling criminal history. In 2015, he was jailed for 33 months for two offences involving sexual activity with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual acts. He also has eight convictions for breaching his SHPO, demonstrating a pattern of repeated offending and disregard for legal restrictions.

Judge Baxter described Ingham-Marsters as a predatory sex offender, noting that he continually seeks out vulnerable victims online. She stated that he pre-plans his actions and lacks the internal controls necessary to prevent himself from acting on sexual impulses. The court’s assessment was that these factors meet the criteria for a dangerous offender, given the significant risk of serious harm he poses to the public.

As part of his sentence, Ingham-Marsters will be subject to a new SHPO and will be required to register as a sex offender indefinitely. The case underscores the ongoing concerns about online grooming and the importance of strict legal measures to protect vulnerable individuals from predatory offenders like him.