KEIRON PICKETT FROM LIVERPOOL SENTENCED FOR DISTURBING INDECENT FILMING AT SCHOOL

A teaching assistant from Liverpool has been exposed for secretly recording inappropriate videos at the educational institution where he was employed, specifically targeting young girls in Year 7 by capturing upskirt footage. The individual, identified as Keiron Pickett, aged 24, was found to have stored six such illicit videos on his iPhone, alongside a collection of indecent images and disturbing handwritten notes concerning his students.

Pickett was apprehended at his residence after authorities traced a suspicious Instagram account back to him through his email address. During the arrest, he was heard crying out in distress, exclaiming, "F***, no, no, no," and threatening to take his own life. Despite his emotional state, he cooperated with officers and provided the password to unlock his phone.

An investigation into his digital devices uncovered a total of 62 indecent images and one video classified as the most severe, falling into category A. Additional images and videos were found categorized in B and C. Furthermore, authorities discovered handwritten notes that his legal team described as "fantasy letters" about his pupils, raising serious concerns about his intentions and mental state.

Online searches conducted on TikTok revealed disturbing activity, with Pickett engaging in searches related to children, further highlighting his inappropriate interests. His behavior during the arrest was described as erratic, and he was ultimately handcuffed after threatening self-harm.

Pickett admitted to operating recording equipment under his clothing without consent, taking indecent images, creating indecent images, and possessing cannabis. He appeared via video link at Liverpool Crown Court, where he broke down in tears during the sentencing hearing.

The court sentenced him to 20 months in prison and imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, which includes a requirement for him to register as a sex offender for the next decade. The judge emphasized the gravity of his misconduct, noting that as a trusted teaching assistant working with vulnerable children, his actions constituted severe sexual abuse. The presence of such images and videos was deemed indicative of actual abuse of children.

It was also noted that Pickett has no prior criminal convictions and had previously participated in courses aimed at rehabilitating sex offenders. His legal team highlighted his efforts to improve himself, but the court underscored the seriousness of his offenses and the societal outrage they provoke.