Jail for pervert who stole underwear and hid cameras in toilets

A pervert who hid secret cameras in toilets, hoarded indecent images of children and stole underwear has been jailed for nearly three years.

David Ian Wales was arrested following an intense digital investigation which revealed he had collected recordings of women in toilets, hoarded indecent images and footage of children and stolen underwear from student housing.

The 45-year-old, from Sherburn Road, Durham, was arrested after the material was found on devices during a search of his home.

Officers discovered more than 11,000 images and videos and also found footage of Wales setting up cameras in various toilets.

Along with two counts of voyeurism, two counts of attempting to observe a person doing a private act and two counts of making indecent photos of a child, Wales also pleaded guilty to a string of burglaries which saw him break into student properties and steal valuables such as iPads, mobile phones, cameras and even women's underwear.

Wales was handed 34 months in prison at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday, September 12.

The complex investigation was led by Durham Constabulary's Detective Constable Georgina Lewis and Susan Cason, from the Digital Investigations team supported by Detective Constable Jason Quye from the Volume Crime team.

DC Lewis said: “This was a difficult and disturbing investigation which included the review of hundreds of extreme and distressing pieces of digital material.

“Officers from varying departments worked intensely to build a strong case which left Wales with no option but to plead guilty.

“I hope that his sentencing provides some comfort to his victims who were completely unaware of his sexual offending.”

Anyone who is suffering sexual abuse should come forward and report it to police – call 101, or 999 in an emergency.