A TEACHING assistant has been jailed for four years after hiding cameras to spy on children as they changed for PE lessons.

Jonathan Birt, 24, put them in a gym and boys' toilets at a primary school where he worked.

He set up another in a friend’s bathroom to watch their young son using the toilet, secretly filmed a 15-year-old boy taking a shower and sexually assaulted a boy he was babysitting.

Police who seized computer equipment in his Blackpool home found 741 images of children being abused.

They discovered the secret films he made in a hidden folder.

Birt admitted indecent assault, voyeurism and having indecent images at Preston crown court.

Judge Stuart Baker said: “It was deliberate, determined and devious activity, thought up by you.”

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "“We welcome the sentence today which reflects the gravity of Birt’s crimes.

"These offences displayed a gross breach of trust and were committed to satisfy his own depraved sexual gratification.

related stories

"We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that our young people are safeguarded.

“We take all reports of sexual offences seriously no matter who the alleged offender and we would encourage anyone who feels they have been a victim, or who has information, to come forward safe in the knowledge that we will investigate professionally and sensitively.”

Source: Read Full Article