Steven Liles, a 60-year-old from Redditch, has been sentenced to eight years and six months in prison after being convicted of multiple sex and voyeurism offences. Described by police as a 'sexual predator', Liles used his position as a freelance photographer and videographer to target and abuse young girls.
How the Offences Unfolded
After being made redundant, Liles began working as a freelance photographer and videographer for private events and dance schools across the Midlands. It was through these roles that he met many of his victims, according to West Mercia Police. He converted his home garage into a photography studio and set up a hidden camera in his office, where he would ask the people he was photographing to change. The footage was discovered by police after his devices were seized.
Liles was found guilty of three counts of voyeurism during his trial in April. Two of these counts relate to footage of children, and the third relates to footage of an adult. He also befriended women with children and exploited his relationship with the mothers to groom and sexually assault the young girls. He was found guilty of one count of sexual assault on a child under 13 and three counts of sexual activity with a child. Police said the offences spanned from 2009 to 2019.
Sentencing and Judge's Remarks
Liles, of Weatheroak Close, was jailed for eight years and six months when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Friday, June 26. Judge Jackson described the sex offender as 'a deviant behind a mask'. He also stated that Liles 'targeted and groomed' his victims and branded him a 'sexual predator and false friend'.
In addition to the prison sentence, Liles was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) indefinitely, which prohibits him from contacting and having unsupervised contact with children once released from prison. He was also ordered to pay £4,360 in court charges.
Police and Victim Statements
Detective Sergeant Shelley Aplin, from the Major Investigation Unit, said: 'I want to commend the victims for their unwavering courage and patience throughout the entire investigation, which has undoubtedly been extremely difficult for them. They have told their story and should hold their heads high. Everyone who has come forward and supported this investigation has helped bring this offender to justice.'
She added: 'Liles is a predator whose behaviour affected so many lives and caused immense emotional turmoil. It was right that he has been given a lengthy prison sentence.'
