A LEOMINSTER man has been jailed for nearly eight years for a string of child sex offences.

Damien Lucas, of New Street, pleaded guilty to the following charges: 

  • Attempt to arrange / facilitate the commission of child sex offence - rape / assault by penetration of child under 13 (26/10/2022)
  • Make indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (23/06/2021) Particulars: 114 Cat A images
  • Make indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (23/06/2021) Particulars: 58 Cat B images
  • Make indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (23/06/2021) Particulars: 270 Cat C images
  • Make indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (28/02/2023) Particulars: 85 Cat A images
  • Make indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (28/02/2023) Particulars: 101 Cat B images
  • Distribute an indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (26/10/2022) Particulars: 1 Cat B image
  • Make indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (28/02/2023) Particulars: 279 Cat C images

The 36-year-old was sentenced for 92 months at Hereford Crown Court.

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Detective Inspector Matt McNelis said: “The strength of this seven year sentence sends a strident message to online child sex offenders across the country.

"The possession, making and distribution of indecent images of children and the grooming of children to provide opportunities to commit contact offences are abhorrent crimes that we are fighting hard to prevent every day.

"Damien Lucas pleaded guilty to having hundreds of images including 199 Category A images. Each of these depicts the rape and/or torture of a child.

"The possession and sharing of these images and videos re-victimises each child in perpetuity and we continue to work with partners, including Lucy Faithfull Foundation and Family Matters, to stamp out this vile trade in human misery.”

If you have been affected by child sexual abuse, you can contact police on 101 and speak to a police officer in confidence.

  • If you do not want to speak to the police, there are support services available that can help you if you are a victim of abuse.
  • Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood or is concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline confidentially on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.
  • Family Matters - Care and support for those afraid to talk (familymattersuk.org)
  • Help and support is also available via the confidential Stop It Now helpline – part of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation. Further details of this can be found on the Stop It Now website here: https://www.stopitnow.org.uk/