‘Deceitful’ piano teacher who upskirted his young students jailed
A piano teacher who took ‘upskirting’ videos and pictures of students has been locked up.
Ben Thomas, of Hessle, Yorkshire, abused his position of trust to ‘prey on innocent and vulnerable children for his own sexual gratification’.
Grimsby Crown Court was told the 30-year-old also sent inappropriate texts to an eight-year-old girl, asking her to blow him a kiss and dance nude for him.
Detective constable Becky McInnis, of Humberside Police, praised the bravery of victims for coming forward.
She said: ‘The actions of Ben Thomas cannot be described as anything other than deceitful.
‘He abused his position of trust preying on some of the most vulnerable members of our society who looked up to and trusted him.
‘I am pleased he is now being punished for his unforgiveable actions.’
Thomas pleaded guilty to taking indecent photographs and videos of children and possessing indecent photographs and videos of children.
He was sentenced to two years behind bars and given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
Speaking after sentencing, DC McInnis said: ‘I hope the outcome will provide victims with some comfort in knowing that, by having the courage and strength to come forward, they have undoubtedly prevented others falling victim to the actions of this man.’
What is upskirting?
Upskirting typically involves someone taking a picture under another person’s clothing without their knowledge, with the intention of viewing their genitals or buttocks (with or without underwear).
It has been a specific criminal offfence in England and Wales since 2019.
Where committed to obtain sexual gratification, it can result in the most serious offenders being placed on the sex offenders register.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.