GRANT DENYER FROM CANTERBURY BANNED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND SEX OFFENCES IN RAMSGATE AND HILLBROW AVENUE

In January 2013, Grant Denyer, a man with a troubling history of sexual offences and child exploitation, was once again brought into the spotlight following his arrest and subsequent sentencing at Canterbury Crown Court. Denyer, aged 51 and known to have connections to Canterbury, was found to have committed multiple breaches of court orders and engaged in illegal activities involving child abuse images, despite previous convictions and court restrictions.

Denyer’s criminal record is extensive, with a significant history of sexual offences dating back to 2008. At that time, he was sentenced to 25 months in prison after admitting to sexual assault and possessing indecent images of children. His offences included groping a sleeping teenage boy and creating a large collection of indecent photographs and videos depicting children engaged in sexual acts. These images were discovered during police searches of his residence on Pine Tree Avenue, Canterbury, where officers uncovered hundreds of illegal images, including some of the most serious level five content. The police also found pornographic magazines featuring children and other disturbing material on his mobile phones, computer, and a video showing a boy aged around 10 or 11.

Despite his previous conviction, Denyer continued to offend. In 2013, he was jailed for an additional 32 months after admitting to breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) twice by accessing and downloading illegal child images. Authorities found that he had downloaded approximately 400 indecent images, some of which depicted children as young as five. The court heard that Denyer had even taken his laptop to the job centre, where he downloaded some of these illicit images, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the court’s restrictions.

Further investigations revealed that Denyer, a former Territorial Army soldier and railway worker, had been secretly using his father’s computer to satisfy his compulsions. He had also gone as far as printing some of the child abuse images, indicating a disturbing level of premeditation and obsession. During the police raid on his home in Hillbrow Avenue, Ramsgate, officers uncovered this evidence, which added to the severity of his offences.

Prosecutor Eileen Sproson highlighted that while Denyer claimed his association with a nine-year-old child was innocent, the court rejected this assertion. Judge Heather Norton emphasized the gravity of his actions, stating that although he had not physically abused the child, his continued contact and grooming efforts were deeply concerning. The judge expressed disappointment that Denyer was still offending even while participating in the Thames Valley Sex Offender’s Programme, which aims to rehabilitate offenders.

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Norton condemned Denyer’s conduct, describing his offences as “disgusting” and noting the shame he had brought upon his family and others involved. She made it clear that the new indefinite SOPO order would prevent him from having any unauthorized contact with children and restrict his internet use to specific locations such as his workplace or educational institutions.

Denyer’s criminal history also includes a 2008 conviction, where he was sentenced to 25 months for sexual assault and multiple offences related to indecent images. At that time, he was living in Pine Tree Avenue, Canterbury, and working at Canterbury West Station. His relationship with a teenage boy led to police intervention after a complaint, which resulted in the discovery of hundreds of indecent images, including videos of young boys and magazines depicting children in sexual acts.

Throughout the proceedings, Denyer maintained some remorse, with his legal counsel acknowledging his long employment history and the fact that many of the images were replicated or downloaded onto his devices. His lawyer also pointed out that Denyer was beginning to understand his own sexuality issues and expressed a desire to seek help. Nevertheless, the court made it clear that his actions had caused significant harm and shame.

As a result of his latest offences, Denyer was sentenced to an additional 32 months in prison, and he will be registered as a sex offender for five years. The court’s ruling underscores the seriousness of his repeated breaches of court orders and illegal activities involving children. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Denyer, who continue to offend despite legal restrictions and rehabilitation efforts.