Jail for Deal sex offender who targeted children online

A sex offender from Deal who made and shared indecent images of children has been jailed.

Christopher Chapman, 46, formerly of Orchard Avenue, pleaded guilty to multiple offences before Canterbury Crown Court.

Investigation

His crimes came to the attention of Kent Police in February 2026 as part of enquiries carried out into online child sex offences.

An investigation by specialist detectives from the force - which included the examination of digital forensic evidence - established that the offender had shared indecent images of children via a messaging app.

Chapman was arrested on 27 February at an address in Deal, where officers also seized knives and a sword. He was later charged.

Jailed

He admitted his guilt and was sentenced at the same court on Thursday 12 November to 4 years’ imprisonment. The sentence incorporated an offence of arranging and facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, in relation to a separate case.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Claire Hall, said: 'Chapman’s offending involved the exploitation of children from behind a screen, but the online world is not a place where offenders can act with impunity. Our specialist investigators are relentless in pursuing those who create, share or facilitate the abuse of children, using digital forensic evidence and intelligence to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts. 'We know some offenders believe technology can conceal their crimes, but this case demonstrates that we will use every tool available to uncover the evidence, expose their offending and ensure they are brought to justice. Protecting children from harm remains one of our highest priorities, and we will continue to target those who seek to exploit them online.'