Man guilty of indecent images of female rail passengers

[John Ashworth]

PREDATOR FOUND GUILTY AFTER POLICE UNCOVER HUNDREDS OF INDECENT IMAGES OF FEMALE PASSENGERS
26/06/2008

A 33-year-old man who plied the railway system between his home and workplace to covertly film and take photographs up young women’s skirts has been found guilty of his crimes.

Guy Richard Knight, a marketing manager, from The Esplanade, Seaford was sentenced in Lewes Crown Court today for charges of outraging public decency. He was fined £500 and ordered to pay £500 costs.

The charges stem from an investigation after members of the public complained to British Transport Police about a man taking indecent images while travelling on the rail system between Seaford and Lewes.

BTP Detective Constable Bob Cager said Knight acted in a predatory manner, targeting females, some as young as 17-years-old.

"Over the summer last year we began to receive a number of reports of a man covertly filming women and taking photographs on his mobile phone. He tried to cover up his actions by pretending to listen to music or text on his phone but passengers were able to see the phone being used under tables or images of women appearing on his phone screen.

"One passenger watched the man follow a female aged around 17 years old onto a train, and then filmed her for up to ten minutes. This passenger became so disturbed by the incident that he decided to take a picture of the man, which was handed to police. That photo, along with CCTV from stations and on trains led police to Knight who was soon after arrested."

As part of the investigation officers seized Knight's computer and mobile phone, which were checked by the BTP Hi-Tech Crime Unit. Investigators uncovered more than 200 images of women that had been taken on the mobile phone and transferred to Knight's laptop.

DC Cager said: "We were able to trace at least 10 female passengers who were regular users of the rail line between Seaford and Brighton. Another victim, included a work colleague, who Knight had covertly filmed."

"These women were able to identify themselves from the images Knight had tried to take up their skirts or of their lower bodies. Several women had been targeted by him numerous times.

"These images included numerous obscene, offensive and indecent pictures that had been taken covertly.

"The women that BTP were able to trace all found Knight’s actions offensive and felt violated by the nature of the images. They felt they had been targeted in a predatory manner for the gratification of Knight.

"With the assistance of members of the public and the willingness of the victims to provide statements and give evidence, officers were able to put the strongest possible case together and we would like to thank those who assisted us in this investigation."

British Transport Police