Photographer befriended women to groom children

A man who exploited his position as a photographer and befriended women with children in a bid to groom them has been described as "a deviant behind a mask".

Steven Liles, aged 60, was found guilty of offences spanning from 2009 to 2019. Chrages included one of sexual assault on a child under 13 and three of sexual activity with a child.

Sentencing him, Judge Martin Jackson at Worcester Crown Court said he was a deviant behind a mask and also a false friend.

Liles, from Weatheroak Close in Redditch, Worcestershire, was jailed for eight years and six months, given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, and ordered to pay £4,300 in court charges.

The court heard Liles had begun working as a freelance photographer and videographer for private events and dance schools across the Midlands after he was made redundant from a previous job.

It was through these roles he met many of his victims.

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 taking photos of to get changed.

The footage was discovered by police after his devices were seized, and during the trial in April he was found guilty of three counts of voyeurism.

Two of these counts relate to footage of children and the third relates to footage of an adult.

Liles also befriended women with children and exploited his relationship with the mothers to groom and sexually assault the young girls.

Det Sgt Shelley Aplin from West Mercia Police's major investigation unit said: "I want to commend the victims for their unwavering courage and patience throughout the entire investigation, which has undoubtably 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.

"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."

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