PERVERTED ELDERLY FORMER POLICE OFFICER SECRETLY FILMED A YOUNG GIRL USING THE TOILET AND COLLECTED A VILE STASH OF INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN
An individual who served as a police officer for 30 years has been jailed following his covert filming of a young girl using the toilet.John Bishop, now 88, was also in possession of a large collection of indecent images of children.
Bishop attempted to justify his actions with unusual excuses, mentioning guitar lessons and digging equipment.
As he was sentenced, the victim’s father told him: "You disgust me.
I hope the shame eats you up inside for the rest of your life." On Wednesday, Liverpool Crown Court heard that authorities received information linking Bishop’s Microsoft account to uploads of inappropriate media.
This led to a search of his home on November 20, 2024, during which eight electronic devices were seized.
Two of these an PC and a Samsung phone contained indecent images.
Prosecutor Bethany Leigh detailed that investigators found 26 Category A images and videos showing severe abuse, including rape.
Additionally, two Category B images and 243 Category C images were recovered.
Fourteen images, taken in 2017, depicted Bishop recording a young girl using the toilet, with his address listed in Roby.
The girl’s father publicly condemned Bishop’s conduct, describing it as "the vilest thing a person can do" and labelling him a "sick-minded individual." He expressed hope that Bishop would feel remorse for harming his daughter, and that the remorse would weigh heavily on him.
During police interviews, Bishop denied sexual interest in children, claiming his online activity was solely for guitar lessons, and that indecent images appeared randomly during searches related to diggers.
He has no criminal history.
His lawyer highlighted his age, his longstanding career in the police, and ongoing efforts to assist elderly neighbours, including looking after a 94-year-old woman.
She mentioned his health problems, such as depression, suggesting that rehabilitation would be preferable to prison.
Bishop admitted to charges including possession of indecent images, voyeurism, and making indecent images.
He was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment, appearing in court dressed formally.
The judge, Stuart Driver KC, stated that Bishop had used a camera to film a girl on the toilet and retained those images for about ten years.
Despite health issues and a criminal record free history, the judge emphasized the seriousness of filming a vulnerable child in such a deliberate and exploitative manner, ruling that only immediate custody could serve justice.
Furthermore, Bishop received a 10-year restraining order, a sexual harm prevention order for ten years, and was mandated to register as a sex offender during this period.
