A Stockport sex offender has been jailed after communicating sexually with a child.

James Davidson, 60, pretended to be a 17-year-old boy while communicating with multiple girls, including one who was 14.

Davidson - who was previously jailed for two years in 2020 for grooming and attempting to meet a girl under-16 - was sentenced to two years and seven months in jail, after pleading guilty to 25 breaches of his sexual harm prevention order and one count of sexual communication with a child.

It follows a complex investigation from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), which started after officers received intelligence that Davidson may have breached his sexual harm prevention order (which was given after his 2020 offences).

Following this intelligence, GMP searched Davidson's property in March 2025, finding several electronic devices which Davidson had failed to declare.

This placed him in breach of both his sexual harm prevention order and his sex offender registration requirements.

Davidson was charged and remanded in custody for these offences before later being granted bail by the courts pending further proceedings.

The seized devices were sent to GMP's Digital Forensic Investigation Unit for examination.

Police said this presented a 'significant challenge' due to the volume of devices which Davidson had, and the fact that he refused to provide passwords and access credentials - which itself was a further breach of his sexual harm prevention order.

Still, investigators managed to gain access, discovering that Davidson had been speaking with multiple girls online while using various names and claiming to be a 17-year-old boy.

One victim, who revealed she was 14, was told by Davidson that he 'didn't care about (her) age' - he then went on to describe his explicit sexual desires to the girl.

This victim was subsequently identified and is being supported and safeguarded by specialists.

Davidson was arrested in June 2025 on suspicion of sexual communication with a child.

A further search of his address uncovered still more undeclared devices, resulting in further breaches of his sexual harm prevention order.

Davidson initially denied the offences, electing for a trial - but he changed his plea to guilty on Monday 7 September 2026, the day before the trial was due to start.

Detective Constable Katy Shadwell, of GMP's Online Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: "Davidson is a predatory offender who repeatedly ignored court orders designed to protect children and reduce the risk he posed to the public.

"This investigation demonstrates the determination of our officers and staff to identify and safeguard vulnerable children, regardless of the lengths offenders go to in order to conceal their activity.

"This sentencing is the result of outstanding teamwork in GMP, whose combined efforts uncovered overwhelming evidence of Davidson's offending and ensured he was brought before the courts.

"I would also like to commend the courage of the child victim, whose support and assistance played a vital role in securing this conviction."

GMP further encouraged anybody who has been raped or sexually abused not to suffer in silence.

Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on their website.

GMP also recommended the following sexual assault support services:

• Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester - provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
• Greater Manchester Rape Crisis - a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
• Survivors Manchester - provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.