In 2026, the Offender Register confirmed that after officers identified indecent images of children being uploaded online and linked them to Gary Mellor, who was residing in Southampton at the time, the Internet Child Abuse Team (ICAT) initiated an investigation in July 2024.
In September 2024, Mellor was apprehended at his residence, and his mobile phone was confiscated.
The court was presented with depraved messages exchanged between the pair, which disclosed their intentions to “swap” children, their previous interactions with children, and their attendance at local leisure facilities such as The Rapids in Romsey.
Officers identified and apprehended Darren Mabey, who was also residing in Southampton, based on this evidence.
Gary Mellor entered a plea of guilty at Southampton Crown Court for the sexual exploitation of a minor under the age of 13 and the creation of indecent images of children (Categories A, B, and C).
Darren Mabey entered a guilty plea to the following charges: possession of an offensive weapon in a private location, possession of a Class B controlled drug, and arranging/facilitating the sexual exploitation of a minor under the age of 13 (Category A).
Gary Mellor, 43, of Castle Street, Salisbury, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and Darren Mabey, 33, of Brighton Road, Lewes, was sentenced to 11 years in prison at the same court on Tuesday, July 14.
In addition to their incarceration, both individuals will be subject to indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs). They will be required to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for the duration of their lives.
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