Troubling child porn trend in Manchester - police

The police in Manchester have reported that they are now required to pay keen attention to the disturbing trend of child pornography in the parish, where children are coerced into sexual intercourse and the acts videotaped and circulated.

The superintendent for the parish, Wayne Cameron, said he has received numerous reports and has seen where students are participating in the acts.

"That is the worrying part. Students are seen, even in their uniforms, on the parks and in plazas engaging in sexual activities which are videotaped and then circulated."

Cameron, who was speaking at the Manchester Chamber of Commerce meeting in Christiana on Thursday, added that too many students were seen loitering in the major towns in the evenings and, as a result of this, law enforcers have had to make it a priority to have them sent home.

Two arrested

Cameron said two men have so far been arrested and charged with breaches of the Child Care and Protection Act.

They are Sekhomi Bennett, 26, who was charged with producing and distributing child pornography and engaging a minor in grievous sexual acts; and Lucan Neil, 34, who was charged with engaging in sexual relations with a minor, secretly videotaping and circulating it.

He has four charges against him - production, possession, distribution of child pornography, and using a child in the production of pornography.

These two men appeared before the court last week and were remanded in custody.

"I just want to encourage parents that, with the advent of this act, we are going to be rigorous and robust in this parish, as once it comes to our attention, we are going to investigate it. But we are seeking the cooperation of everyone in this matter," Cameron said.

Meanwhile, the police say they have recorded a 35 per cent decrease in all major crimes in the parish.

"We have recorded six murders since the start of the year in comparison to seven last year. Break-in has always been a problem in Manchester, and we have recorded 39 now as against 49 last year. If we can curtail break-ins in the parish, we will do well by the end of the year as it is a difficult area."

Cameron admitted that lottery scamming remained an area of concern for Manchester.

"Last year, 38 persons were arrested including women. Three persons have been arrested since the start of the year."