A ‘calculating’ and ‘predatory’ man from Rochdale who admitted sexually exploiting children online has been sentenced to ten years in prison.
Dean Farrar, 50, pleaded guilty to 41 counts of sexual exploitation offences, including engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, distributing an indecent photograph and voyeurism, and received his sentence at Minshull Street Crown Court on May 31.
And Detective Inspector Mike Gladwin GMP’s Public Protection Division said that Farrar’s ‘vile endeavours’ have affected children around the world.
“Dean Farrar was a calculating individual who sexually exploited children online and also took indecent images of children,” he said.
“The extent of his predatory crimes were uncovered when local officers searched his home and subsequently discovered thousands of indecent images of children on his mobile phone.
“Farrar operated alone in his vile endeavours to sexually exploit children. His victims span countries, which illustrates the reach that the internet has in the exploitation of children.”
In 2014 officers from Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation into Farrar and a warrant was executed at his home in Rochdale, where local officers seized his phones, memory sticks, hard drive and computer.
After forensic examination, officers discovered 35,000 indecent images of children on his phone, some of which were taken by Farrar, and some had been distributed to others.
Further investigation uncovered that between 2011 and 2015 Farrar had contacted victims, who were aged between eight and fifteen at the time, through social media and messaging apps and sexually exploited them online.
Farrar was arrested and later charged with 41 counts of sexual exploitation offences.
“The strong partnership approach taken here has been important and today’s result has been achieved through a great deal of hard work by police, partners and victims and their families,” said DI Gladwin.
“I hope the sentence passed today will send a clear message that GMP will not tolerate any form of child sexual exploitation and we, along with our partners, will continue to support victims and investigate all reports that are made.
“Tackling the sexual exploitation of children and young people is an absolute priority for Greater Manchester Police, but protecting them is the responsibility of us all.
“It is crucial that we work together to identify individuals who prey on vulnerable children and empower young people to speak up.”
