A paedophile photographer took sick pictures of a woman and children with a hidden camera as they got changed for photo shoots. Steven Liles, 60, of Weatheroak Close, Redditch, converted his garage into a studio and set up the secret kit in his office, where he asked people to change before taking their photos.
Liles worked at private events and took pics for dance schools across the Midlands. West Mercia Police said the secretly filmed footage was discovered by officers after his devices were seized.
Pervert Liles was convicted of a string of offences committed between 2009 and 2019. He was sentenced to eight and a half years at Worcester Crown Court on Friday (June 26).
The sexual predator had been found guilty of three counts of voyeurism at the end of his trial in April. Two counts related to video of the children and one of the woman.
He was also found guilty of one count of sexual assault on a child under 13 and three counts of sexual activity with a child.
Judge Jackson described the sex offender as “a deviant behind a mask” as he sentenced Liles.
During his trial, the court heard how “false friend” Liles befriended mums and exploited his relationship with them to groom and sexually assault their children.
Det Sgt Shelley Aplin from West Mercia Police commended the survivors for their “unwavering courage and patience” throughout the entire investigation, which she said was undoubtedly “extremely difficult” for them.
She added: “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.”
He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which bans him from contacting and having unsupervised contact with children after his release from prison. Liles was also ordered to pay £4,360 in court charges.
Rape and sexual offences can be reported to the police or anonymously with the charity, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Victim Support offers a free, live chat messaging service if you need to speak to someone after a crime or traumatic experience.