A former high school teacher has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after using concealed cameras, including spy pens, to take more than one million upskirt photographs of schoolchildren. Matthew Gilkes, who taught at a school in Lancashire, was arrested in August 2024 following an incident at a leisure centre in Chorley, where he was caught photographing children under cubicles.
Investigation and Evidence
During a search of his home and workplace, authorities uncovered over 80 devices, such as spy pens and handheld cameras, containing a vast number of indecent images. Many of these images depicted pupils from the school where he worked. Further investigation revealed that Gilkes had also created fake social media profiles, pretending to be a teenage boy, to groom and manipulate girls into sending indecent images and videos of themselves.
Charges and Sentencing
Gilkes pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including operating equipment beneath clothing without consent and engaging in sexual communication with a child. In addition to his 16-year prison term, he was issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. The case highlights the dangers of hidden surveillance technology and online grooming, with authorities urging vigilance and reporting of suspicious behaviour.
