Pervert used hole drilled in boots to take upskirting pictures

Richard Whyley, 32, of Lavender Lane, has been placed on the sex offenders register for seven years.

Whyley was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on Monday, after he was caught upskirting in Worcester city centre in August 2019.

He first appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on March 11 and pleaded guilty to four offences – voyeurism, operating equipment beneath clothing of another without consent and two counts of recording an image under clothing to observe another without consent.

Officers were first alerted after a 16-year-old girl raised the alarm while she was in a store on Worcester High Street. She reported that Whyley was acting suspiciously.

Officers tracked Whyley down at University of Worcester Arena and arrested him.

A number of items were recovered, including a GoPro camera containing a memory card and boots which had been adapted with a hole drilled into the toe area.

Supervision

The court heard that a search was carried out of the GoPro camera and more than 6,000 images were discovered. It is believed the images were of 235 separate victims who did not know photos had been taken by Whyley.

At Worcester Crown Court he was sentenced to a community order for 36 months to include a supervision Order for 36 months, a rehabilitation activity requirement for 40 days and a curfew order for four months.

Whyley was also ordered to pay £750 victim compensation and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for five years.

Sergeant Chris Buffery, from West Mercia Police who investigated the case, said: “Richard Whyley was quickly arrested after a member of the public noticed his suspicious behaviour.

"His other victims were not aware of what he was doing. I’d like to thank the victim who came forward for her bravery in raising the alarm.

“We have never been able to identify any other victims of this degrading crime, however it is those images which have helped to contribute to this case being brought to court.

"Anyone who believes they may be a victim of a sexual assault is encouraged to contact us and report it. Support is also available by contacting West Mercia's Victim Advice Line.

"It is a free, independent and confidential support service. People can call 0800 952 3000 or visit the Victim Advice Line and do not have to have reported the offence to the police.”