JASON NEILL CAUGHT IN THE ACT IN TORQUAY TARGETING FEMALES WITH SKIRTS
In October 2016, a disturbing case emerged involving Jason Neill, a resident of Palantine Close in Torquay, who was found to have a disturbing sexual obsession with filming women of all ages, particularly focusing on those wearing skirts.The incident took place in the heart of Torquay’s town centre, specifically along Union Street, where Neill was caught in the act by a vigilant member of the public.
According to reports, the witness observed Neill behaving in an unusual manner, trailing a woman through the busy street.
Neill was seen holding his rucksack in a peculiar way, described as if he was walking a dog on an invisible lead.
This odd behavior raised suspicion, prompting the witness to keep a close watch.
It was then that the individual noticed Neill following a woman, only ceasing his pursuit when she entered a nearby shop.
However, Neill lingered outside, seemingly waiting for another opportunity to target potential victims.
What made the situation more alarming was that Neill was seen with his mobile phone, which was later confirmed to be recording upskirt videos of women in the vicinity.
The member of the public managed to alert a police officer, who responded swiftly.
Upon arresting Neill, officers discovered a video on his phone showing upskirt footage of a woman, confirming his intent and actions.
During the arrest, Neill admitted to the police, stating, “You’ve caught me red-handed.
How long will I get for this?” Further investigation into Neill’s devices revealed a significant collection of indecent images.
His home was searched, uncovering a total of 4,913 indecent images, along with 7,170 images he had personally created.
Among these were videos featuring two teenage girls dressed in short skirts as part of their school uniforms.
Authorities also found that Neill had engaged in online searches for “candid upskirt schoolgirl pics,” indicating a clear pattern of his disturbing interests.
His internet history contained explicit search terms, and he admitted during police interviews that he derived sexual gratification from these images, comparing his actions to the harmless act of seeing someone in a bikini on a beach.
Neill’s behavior was not limited to online activity; he had also made his own videos secretly recording women around Torquay.
His actions were deemed highly offensive, with one act of outraging public decency and possession of an extreme pornographic image classified as grossly offensive and obscene.
The police found that he had attempted to hide some of the images by downloading and deleting them, but the evidence was clear.
During the court proceedings at Exeter Crown Court, prosecutor Felicity Payne detailed the extent of Neill’s misconduct.
She explained that the incident on August 4, 2015, was pivotal in his arrest.
A member of the public observed him walking down Union Street, holding his rucksack in an unusual manner, and suspected he was attempting to take upskirt videos.
Neill was seen following a woman until she entered a shop, after which he was seen loitering outside, seemingly hunting for his next victim.
When police arrived, Neill was caught with a video actively recording upskirt footage.
He was immediately taken into custody, where he again admitted, “You’ve caught me red-handed.
How long will I get for this?” His home was subsequently searched, revealing a trove of indecent images and videos, some of which he had personally recorded.
The evidence painted a disturbing picture of his predatory behavior.
In court, Neill’s defense attorney, Emmi Wilson, highlighted that he had no prior convictions and suggested he needed help to address his issues.
However, Judge Graham Cottle was clear in his judgment.
He condemned Neill’s actions, stating, “You were taking pictures of young girls up their skirts and all sorts of sordid material that you had downloaded was found at your house.
I am giving you a chance today but if you do not participate in any part of your sentence then you will come back here and you will go down.
You have a number of problems but we must try and find a way to try and stop you reoffending.
If you fail though, then you will be brought back to court and I will send you away and then you will take your chance in prison which won’t be a happy experience.” As a result, Neill was sentenced to a three-year community order.
He was also mandated to participate in the Thames Valley Sexual Offenders Treatment Program and a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.
Additionally, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed for the next five years, aiming to prevent any further offending and protect the community from his predatory behavior.
