A perilous Paedophile from Grantham, Christopher Manning, guilty of many sexual offences against four victims over a span of two decades, was sentenced to 25 years in jail today (Thursday).
Christopher Manning, 38, of Dalton Close, Grantham, was subjected to an extended license period of four years upon his release from custody, resulting in a total sentence of 29 years.
Christopher Manning was convicted on 21 counts, including rape, following a three-week trial earlier this year.
Lincoln Crown Court was informed that two of Christopher Manning’s victims were minors at the time of the rapes.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight determined that Christopher Manning was a perilous offender.
Judge Sjolin Knight stated that Christopher Manning will be subjected to an extended licence period of four years upon his eventual release from custody to ensure public safety.
The Judge informed Christopher Manning: “I am convinced you derive pleasure from the abuse of children and have engaged in such behaviour since your own childhood.”
Judge Sjolin Knight stated that Christopher Manning additionally engaged with girls online and cultivated an interest in seeking obscene photos, culminating in his detention when he communicated with an undercover cop named ‘Dave’.
The Judge informed Christopher Manning that he had no regard for his victims throughout the trial, accusing them of deceit and adopting an aggressive stance. You are thirty-eight years old. You provided a kidney donation to your father. There are no alternative mitigations.
Judge Sjolin Knight expressed concern regarding Manning’s online activities and his apparent interest in infants.
Manning was subjected to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order and is required to register as a sex offender for life.
Victim impact testimonies from Christopher Manning’s victims were presented in court. A woman recounted her experiences of flashbacks and nightmares, although she is now finally attaining justice.
Another victim expressed that she only trusted her immediate family. A third victim stated, “The crime has significantly impacted me.”
Christopher Manning was convicted of seven counts of rape, two counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault, three counts of producing indecent photographs of children, two counts of causing or inciting a person to engage in sexual activity, one count of sexual activity with a child, one count of sexual communication with a child, one count of encouraging or assisting an offence, and one count of sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of thirteen.
Christopher Manning was apprehended on February 25 of the previous year and refuted all charges when testifying during his trial.
The offences transpired over a span of 20 years, commencing during Christopher Manning’s childhood.
The court noted a considerable age discrepancy between Christopher Manning and several of his victims. All of his victims possess a lifelong right to anonymity.
Karen Walton, in mitigation, acknowledged that Christopher Manning poses a significant future risk and will necessitate monitoring upon his release from a lengthy term commencing at the age of 38.
Miss Walton advocated for the punishments imposed on Christopher Manning during his juvenile years to correspond with his age at that time.
“Any sentence he receives today will be extensive, and prior to any release, he must appear before the parole board.”
Miss Walton stated that she could not attest to any sorrow from Manning, as he does not acknowledge the offences.
Judge Sjolin Knight commended the assistance provided by the National Crime Agency (NCA) to the victims.
David Levett, senior investigating officer of the NCA, stated: “This investigation revealed that Christopher Manning perpetrated egregious abuse against children over an extended period.”
The ramifications of his criminal behaviour are profoundly destructive; yet, numerous victims courageously testified during the trial, contributing to his conviction.
He is a prolific and hazardous sexual offender who presents a significant threat to the public. His sentence embodies the gravity and comprehensiveness of his transgressions.
The NCA is committed to identifying high-risk offenders such as Christopher Manning and securing their prosecution.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.