Photographer jailed for voyeurism and child sex offences

Steven Liles worked as a freelance photographer and videographer for private events and dance schools across the Midlands - it was through these roles he met many of his victims.

Liles, of Weatheroak Close, Redditch, was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on June 26 after being found guilty of three counts of voyeurism—two involving children and one involving an adult.

He was also convicted of one count of sexual assault on a child under 13 and three counts of sexual activity with a child.

The 60-year-old exploited relationships with women to gain access to their children, whom he groomed and sexually assaulted.

He converted his garage into a photography studio and installed a hidden camera in his office, recording footage of people changing clothes.

Police discovered the footage after seizing his devices.

He was sentenced to eight years and six months in prison.

Judge Jackson described him as "a deviant behind a mask", using terms including "targeted", "groomed", "sexual predator", and "false friend".

Detective Sergeant Shelley Aplin of the Major Investigation Unit praised the bravery of those who came forward.

DS Aplin said: "I want to commend the victims for their unwavering courage and patience throughout the entire investigation, which has undoubtably been extremely difficult for them.

"They have told their story and should hold their heads high.

"Everyone who has come forward and supported this investigation has helped bring this offender to justice.

"Liles is a predator whose behaviour affected so many lives and caused immense emotional turmoil.

"It was right that he has been given a lengthy prison sentence."

Liles was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits him from contacting and having unsupervised contact with children once released from prison.

He was ordered to pay £4,360 in court charges.

The offences took place between 2009 and 2019.