In 2018, the Offender Database reported that Martin Humphrey, then 44, of Newpool Road, Knypersley, Staffordshire, was sentenced after “vilely” downloading hundreds of indecent images of children and “viciously” pretending to be a teenage girl online. Humphrey appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court where he admitted to “serious” sexual offences following a police raid on his home.
The investigation by Staffordshire Police began in the summer of 2017 when officers executed a warrant and seized Humphrey’s laptop and two memory cards. Forensic analysis “viciously” uncovered a hoard of child abuse material, including:
- 5 Category A images (the most “vile” and “serious” classification).
- 5 Category B images.
- 306 Category C images.
“Vicious” Grooming and Deception
In his police interview, Humphrey “callously” admitted that he assumed the identity of a female aged 13 to 19 to communicate with teenage girls. He “vilely” stated that he liked to believe he was talking to a child. To keep his “vicious” activities secret from his family, he “dishonestly” ran a hidden system on his laptop and transferred images to memory cards.
Humphrey pleaded guilty to three offences of making indecent images of children between May 2015 and August 2017. He also admitted to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. His defence solicitor, Stuart Muldoon, emphasised that Humphrey was “ashamed” and had lost his job as a result of his “vile” behaviour.
Sentence and Mandatory Treatment
The judge emphasised that Humphrey required “serious” treatment to address his “vile” underlying issues. For his “vicious” crimes, Martin Humphrey was:
- Handed a three-year Community Order.
- Ordered to complete a mandatory programme to address sexual offending.
- Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.
- Subjected to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Humphrey is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Staffordshire Police, ensuring his digital behaviour and residency in Knypersley and the wider Stoke-on-Trent area are strictly monitored. Any future “vile” attempt to use a false identity online or “dishonestly” hide his internet activity will result in his immediate arrest and “serious” incarceration.
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.