A depraved sex offender who secretly filmed children using a concealed camera has been handed a substantial prison sentence following a disturbing investigation by Nottinghamshire Police.
Brian Wilkinson, 70, from Nottingham, was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment at Nottingham Crown Court after detectives discovered his extensive collection of indecent images and videos, including footage he had recorded himself.
The Chilling Discovery
Investigators uncovered Wilkinson's sickening activities during a probe into child abuse material. Forensic examination of his electronic devices revealed not only thousands of downloaded indecent images but also homemade videos recorded using a hidden camera.
The court heard how Wilkinson had positioned the covert device to capture intimate footage of children without their knowledge or consent, committing gross breaches of trust against vulnerable young victims.
A Pattern of Predatory Behaviour
Wilkinson's crimes came to light as part of Operation Solar, a targeted initiative by Nottinghamshire Police's dedicated Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT).
Detective Constable Matt Daley, who led the investigation, expressed relief at the sentencing: "This was a complex and deeply disturbing case involving significant breaches of trust against children who should have been able to feel safe in their own homes."
Justice Served
Wilkinson pleaded guilty to multiple serious offences including:
- Making indecent photographs of children
- Possessing prohibited images of children
- Recording private sexual images without consent
- Possessing extreme pornographic images
In addition to his 12-year prison term, Wilkinson was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
DC Daley added: "I hope this outcome provides some measure of comfort to the victims and demonstrates our commitment to pursuing those who prey on children, no matter how much time has passed since their offences."
