David Drury, the former head of communications for Humberside Police who attempted to block a Sky News investigation into an alleged grooming gang in Hull, has been jailed for nine years for child sex offences. His partner, teacher Daniel Sellers, was sentenced to four and a half years at Hull Crown Court on Monday. The pair pleaded guilty in May to a series of offences against a boy under 13 over a sustained period.
Details of the offences
Drury, 40, and Sellers, 44, from Hull, were arrested in July 2024. Analysis of Drury's electronic devices revealed multiple indecent images of children, and detectives uncovered evidence of contact sexual offences. Drury admitted two counts of sexual assault on a male, sexual assault of a child under 13, six counts of distributing indecent photographs of a child, and voyeurism. Sellers, a drama teacher at a school in East Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and abetting sexual assault and arranging the commission of a child sex offence. Both were placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Attempt to silence grooming gang probe
In 2021, while in post, Drury actively tried to thwart a Sky News investigation into an alleged grooming gang operating in Hull. Sky reporter Liz Lane stated on X: “David Drury was the press officer in charge when Humberside Police tried to dissuade us reporting on an alleged grooming gang in Hull in 2021, and then publicly briefed against us after we broadcast it - our investigation led to the force having to reopen theirs months later.” The Operation Marksman case was initially wound down in June 2021, but after Sky broadcast reports revealing evidence of organised abuse and a new victim, the case was reopened. Thirty-four people were arrested, 200 digital devices seized, and over 100,000 text messages reviewed, but no charges were brought due to insufficient evidence.
Police response and victim bravery
Deputy Chief Constable Sarah Baker described the offences as “appalling” and commended the victim’s bravery in supporting the prosecution. East Riding of Yorkshire Council confirmed Sellers worked as a teacher but said the offences did not relate to any pupils. Humberside Police have been asked for further comment on Drury’s conduct while in post.
