Thomas Maher thought he was speaking to the girl’s dad

Thomas Maher(Image: NWROCU)

A vile child sex offender planned the abuse of a young girl with a man he believed was her father. Thomas Maher, 64 and from Burnage, has now been brought to justice and jailed.

Police condemned his ‘deeply disturbing online activity’, saying it was proof of ‘a clear intent to commit further offences’ against the youngster.

A court heard that in September 2025, Maher sent messages via a social media platform to someone he believed to be an adult male. Police said that during the exchange, he discussed plans to commit serious sexual offences against the man’s daughter, and outlined steps he intended to take to facilitate the abuse.

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In a statement, the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit said: “The police were alerted to the online activity and established that Maher was already on bail for separate offences relating to indecent images of children. He was subsequently arrested at his home address.

“During a search of his vehicle, officers recovered two syringes and his mobile phone, which contained further evidence of his offending.”

Maher, 64, of Lane End Road, Burnage, Manchester, pleaded guilty to arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence; possession of an indecent image of a child; making indecent photographs of a child and possession of extreme pornography.

At Manchester Crown Court last Friday, (July 17), he was jailed for eight years It followed a joint investigation by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and Police Scotland.

Maher was also made the subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order with an indefinite requirement to be on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

Det Con Adam Cronshaw said: “The sentencing reflects the swift and decisive action taken after officers identified Thomas Maher’s deeply disturbing online activity involving discussions of serious sexual harm to a child. The evidence demonstrated a clear intent to commit further offences, and his guilty plea reflects the strength of evidence against him.

“This investigation highlights our ongoing commitment to protecting children and ensuring those who seek to exploit or harm them are identified, arrested, and brought before the courts.”