A pervert who set up a covert camera to film female victims was jailed at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday.
Mark Clapson also downloaded thousands of indecent images of children from the internet.
Luc Chignell, prosecuting, said that Clapson was arrested after police received information and as a result searched his home.
Over 30,000 indecent images of children were found on devices belonging to Clapson.
Mr Chignall said “There were indecent images of children on several devices. In addition to that officers found images which it is clear the defendant was responsible for taking using a hidden camera.
“It is clear that on his own admission he has a sexual interest in children and acted upon it in these ways.”
Clapson, 39, of Cawkwell, near Louth, admitted three charges of voyeurism and three charges of producing indecent images of children.
He also admitted three charges of making indecent images of children involving a total of 31,213 images and further admitted possession of 24 extreme pornographic images.
Clapson was jailed for two years and nine months. He was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and given a life long sexual harm prevention order.
The devices he used to access the illegal images were ordered to be forfeited and destroyed.
Judge John Pini QC told Clapson that the lives of the victims who had been secretly filmed have been shattered.
“This has had an absolutely devastating effect,” said the judge.
David Eager, in mitigation, said that Clapson admitted to having a sexual interest in children and since his arrest has sought counselling.
“His conduct was appalling and he knows it was appalling,” said Mr Eager.
Investigating officer DC Wayne Pilkington, of the Paedophile Online Investigation Team, said: “We are sincerely grateful to the victims in this case who have been so brave in supporting our investigation.
“This is a clear message to perpetrators that we will take robust action, and meticulously investigate, in order to bring offenders to justice.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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