DARREN BILTON FROM WELWYN GARDEN CITY JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE AND FILMING VICTIMS IN TOILETS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Welwyn Garden City, Darren Bilton, aged 44, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of a series of heinous crimes involving voyeurism and child sexual abuse. The investigation into Bilton’s activities revealed a decade-long pattern of sinister behavior, during which he secretly installed recording devices in various private spaces, including cubicles and bathrooms, to capture both adults and children without their knowledge or consent.

Bilton’s criminal conduct came to light in July of the previous year when a female office worker at a company in Welwyn Garden City discovered his illicit device. She entered a toilet cubicle that Bilton had just vacated and noticed his phone, which was partially concealed. Upon inspecting the device, she was shocked to see her own legs displayed on the screen, indicating that Bilton had been secretly filming her. She immediately challenged him, prompting police to be called to the scene.

Following this incident, law enforcement authorities launched an extensive investigation that uncovered evidence of Bilton’s long-standing misconduct. Police seized his home computer, where they found numerous video clips he had secretly recorded over the years. These included footage of 36 unidentified adults using toilets, as well as videos of young teenage girls. The evidence suggested that Bilton had been setting up hidden cameras in various locations, sometimes using his mobile phone with its built-in camera, which he discreetly placed behind toilet rolls or inside shopping baskets in supermarkets to film women and girls in public spaces.

The court proceedings at St Albans Crown Court revealed the full extent of Bilton’s depravity. Prosecutor Michael Speak detailed how Bilton had committed multiple offenses, including six counts of voyeurism, four counts of sexual activity with a child, indecency with a child, taking indecent photographs of a child, and engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child. The court heard that Bilton’s actions were not only invasive but also deeply disturbing, involving the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Judge Stephen Gullick sentenced Bilton to a total of seven years and three months in prison. Additionally, Bilton was placed under a sexual offences prevention order, which imposes strict restrictions on his behavior and associations. His name will remain on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and public awareness of his status. Furthermore, he was disqualified from working with children, a measure aimed at protecting minors from potential harm.

Detective Constable Charlie Thorogood, who led the investigation, expressed gratitude to the woman who initially reported suspicious activity, stating, “This investigation stemmed from a lady who had seen something suspicious and thankfully reported it to police. An extensive investigation then began which uncovered a number of serious crimes. I would like to thank this lady and all of the victims and their families for their courage and support throughout this extremely difficult case. These are despicable crimes and the sentence reflects the seriousness of what he has done.”