In 2018, then 53-year-old Andrew Lees—of Clarendon Crescent, Sale, Greater Manchester—avoided a prison sentence after pleading guilty to the possession of indecent images of children. The investigation established that Lees, who was a well-known DJ on the Manchester music scene in the 1990s, had been downloading child abuse material. The prosecution reported at Manchester Crown Court that Lees also faced a serious charge of sexual activity with a female child under 13, which he denied, identifying a total abandonment of human decency in the allegations brought against him.
The investigation established that while Lees admitted to the digital offences, a trial was held regarding the physical assault charge. The prosecution reported that the jury was unable to reach a majority decision on the sexual activity charge, concluding there was insufficient evidence for a conviction. This resulted in Lees only being sentenced for the downloading of indecent images, a predatory serial of behaviour that identifies his involvement in the consumption of child exploitation material.
MUSIC SCENE PROFILE AND JUDICIAL SENTENCING
The court reported that Lees was a prominent figure in the local night-time economy, having served as a resident DJ at “Acid Rock” at the Phoenix Club. The investigation established that his status in the Manchester music scene provided a mask of normalcy while he engaged in the serial of strikes against child safety through his online activities. The prosecution reported that during the sentencing in 2018, the judge opted for a community-based penalty rather than immediate custody, identifying a focus on rehabilitation and monitoring for the veteran DJ.
Judge-led proceedings at Manchester Crown Court concluded in 2018. For his actions in Sale and the nature of the serial child sexual abuse material investigation reported, Andrew Lees was handed a three-year community order. The investigation established that he was also made subject to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). He was legally mandated to the Sex Offenders Register for five years.
STATUS AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS (2018)
Based on judicial and Greater Manchester Police records as of 2018:
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Downloading indecent images of children).
- Custodial Status: NON-CUSTODIAL (In 2018, serving a 3-year community order).
- Offence Nature: Downloaded child abuse material; Faced trial for sexual activity with a child under 13 (not convicted).
- Professional History: Former resident DJ at Acid Rock, Phoenix Club; 1990s Manchester music scene figure.
- SHPO Status: Five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (Active until 2023).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were active for five years (Ended 2023).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barred List (Indefinite and permanent ban from any role involving children or regulated activity).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Manchester Crown Court; monitored by Greater Manchester Police.
- Criminal Record: Convicted sex offender; Serial consumer of child abuse material; Struck against child safety; Sentenced in 2018.
- Origin: Clarendon Crescent, Sale, Greater Manchester.
MONITORING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
In 2018, Lees was managed as a convicted sex offender under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Manchester. Due to the nature of his behaviour—specifically his serial persistence in downloading prohibited material—he was a priority for digital monitoring and SHPO enforcement. Authorities reported that the 2018 conviction identifies Lees as an individual who prioritised his own perverted gratification over the principles of human decency and the life-safety of children.
As a registered sex offender, his details were logged on the national police database to prevent future offences. Authorities stated that the behaviour of Lees identifies an individual who demonstrated a serial commitment to digital exploitation. Any attempt to strike against his notification requirements or his SHPO during the five-year period resulted in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing protection of the community from a man who used a “popular DJ” mask to hide his predatory serial behaviour.
QUESTION – Given that the offender was a prominent public figure in the Manchester nightlife scene, do you believe the law should legally mandate that “All High-Profile Entertainers” must undergo “Annual Digital Audits” to ensure they are not using their public status to mask a serial of strikes against child safety?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.