LEE DOWNIE FROM STROUD CAUGHT IN SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND VOYEURISM CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Stroud, Lee Downie, a 41-year-old former brass band manager, has been found guilty of serious criminal offenses involving child exploitation and voyeurism. The case, which was heard at Gloucester Crown Court, revealed a pattern of disturbing behavior that spanned over a decade, including the possession and distribution of indecent images of children, voyeuristic acts, and invasive recordings of women in private settings.

Downie, who resided on Hawthorn Rise in Cainscross, was at the time managing the renowned Flowers Band, an accolade that makes his crimes all the more shocking to those who knew him. His offenses came to light after a series of police investigations that uncovered a disturbing collection of illicit material and recordings. The police investigation was triggered when a female sex worker, with whom Downie was communicating on adultwork.com, responsibly contacted authorities after witnessing his disturbing behavior during a video chat.

According to prosecutor Janine Wood, the incident that led to Downie’s arrest involved him showing the sex worker a video of an 11-year-old girl engaged in sexual activity, explicitly stating that it aroused him. She explained that during the chat, Downie appeared to be masturbating, and he used the username ‘lickmyarseoff’ during the forum. The police, upon reviewing chat logs and digital evidence, discovered that Downie had been engaging with a total of 58 sex workers on various chatlines, indicating a long-standing and highly active pattern of sexual deviance.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC, presiding over the case, described Downie as a man with a significant sexual obsession, highlighting that his interactions with numerous sex workers and his collection of illicit images pointed to a deeply rooted perversion. The court learned that Downie had been in possession of a substantial number of indecent images, including 17 of the most extreme category A videos involving children, and 10 in category B. These images dated back at least 16 years, revealing a long history of such depraved interests.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Downie had also secretly used a hidden camera to record two women in a toilet, further illustrating his invasive and criminal behavior. The police found that he had been in contact with children aged twelve and above, and he had been actively discussing and requesting to view child pornography. His online activities included bragging about filming his partner and a friend, and masturbating via Skype while viewing illicit content.

In sentencing, Judge Tabor acknowledged Downie’s efforts to seek therapy and his claims of remorse, but he expressed concern over the defendant’s continued arrogance and lack of genuine insight into the harm caused. The judge emphasized that Downie’s high opinion of himself, coupled with his lack of empathy and ongoing obsession, posed a serious risk to the community. As part of his sentence, Downie was handed a ten-month jail term, suspended for two years, with the condition that he attend thirty rehabilitation sessions with a probation officer. Additionally, he was ordered to be subject to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, to sign the sex offender register for ten years, and to pay fines totaling £6,500.

Furthermore, the court mandated that Downie’s family, who have distanced themselves from him, continue to be affected by his actions, with his children aged ten and twelve expressing their desire not to see him. The judge also called on police officer DC Ian Bennett to keep a close watch on Downie’s activities moving forward. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Stroud, highlighting the dangers posed by individuals with hidden perversions and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable victims.