A Paignton man has been sentenced for secretly filming teens and sharing explicit messages with other offenders, leaving the community in shock.
At 37, he used a hidden camera to record his victims. He kept these recordings on his phone, using special apps to chat about his disturbing fantasies.
The court sentenced him to three years and two months in prison. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including voyeurism and possessing indecent images.
His arrest came after the National Crime Agency tipped off the police about his suspicious online behavior. When they searched his phone, they found a hidden space filled with organized images.
These folders contained videos of child abuse sent by other offenders. It was clear he got a thrill from these conversations and sharing such content.
His lawyer mentioned that Thomas felt ashamed, calling it the worst thing he’s ever done. He had pleaded guilty as soon as he could.
The judge, David Evans, made it clear that Thomas is a danger to children. He noted that Thomas used private storage to hide his activities and communicated with other paedophiles.
While the judge couldn’t extend the sentence due to legal limits, Thomas will be monitored under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order in the future.