MAN SECRETLY RECORDED BOYS AS YOUNG AS 12 WHILE THEY CHANGED CLOTHES.
A 36-year-old man has denied being a paedophile despite secretly filming boys while they changed clothes.Daniel Dar-Nell, residing on Prince Regent Road in Hounslow, recorded videos of eight boys over several years, with the youngest being 12 years old at the time.
He also admitted to creating or possessing various indecent images of children, including photographs of a 13-year-old boy exposing himself and masturbating briefly, which were sent to him via Instagram.
These details were presented to Guildford Crown Court on Monday (August 12) by prosecutor Martin Yale, where Dar-Nell was sentenced to a suspended prison term.
When questioned by police about his actions, Dar-Nell acknowledged that his conduct was 'inappropriate' and 'awful,' but insisted he was not a paedophile.
He claimed his interest was more about the boys' clothing than their age.
He stated he did not derive sexual satisfaction from the images or masturbate over them, but he felt compelled to collect them.
Dar-Nell expressed remorse, recognized his wrongdoing, and said he was receiving help to address his behaviour.
Hannah Hurley, representing Dar-Nell, emphasised that his main interest was the clothing, noting that he had also collected images of adult men dressed similarly.
Following his arrest, Dar-Nell began therapy aimed at changing his behaviour and had made notable progress, his lawyer argued.
She warned that imprisonment could reverse that progress.
'If he continues on this path,' Hurley said, 'he could lead a healthier life.' Judge Jonathan Black sentenced Dar-Nell to 23 months suspended imprisonment, acknowledging that some victims suffered ongoing psychological issues, but also noting his efforts to reform and the low risk of re-offending.
The sentence includes a 21-month term for making and possessing indecent images of children, and a concurrent two-month sentence for voyeurism, both suspended for two years.
After the verdict, Detective Constable Anna Blanco commented: 'Dar-Nell behaved disgracefully, gaining victims' trust to film them unknowingly and manipulating a child in Australia into sending indecent images.
We commend the victims’ bravery in supporting this case.' Detective Inspector Martin Goodwin, who led the investigation, added: 'Our team diligently supported the victims, gathered extensive evidence, recovered all indecent images, and worked with local agencies to protect children and prevent further crimes.' Dar-Nell was also subject to a sexual harm prevention order and must register as a sex offender for ten years.
