MARK LEWIN FROM CATERHAM JAILED AFTER UP-THE-SKIRT PHOTO AND 1,400 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES AT DORKING HOSPITAL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Mark Lewin, a 34-year-old resident of Caterham, has been sentenced to a significant prison term following a series of heinous offences involving the exploitation and abuse of children, as well as indecent acts committed in public settings.

Lewin appeared before Guildford Crown Court to face the consequences of his actions, which include possessing nearly 1,400 indecent images of children, breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), and committing outrages against public decency. The court proceedings revealed a troubling pattern of behaviour that spanned several years, with Lewin’s criminal record indicating prior convictions for voyeurism and related offences.

The case against Lewin was initiated after an incident at Dorking Hospital on March 26, 2014. During his employment at the hospital, Lewin was caught attempting to take a photograph up a nurse’s skirt using his mobile phone. Witnesses observed him holding his device beneath the nurse’s clothing, an act that was immediately reported to hospital authorities. When confronted, Lewin reportedly admitted his misconduct, stating, “I know, I have problems,” and further apologized to the victim, saying, “I am sorry, I have never done it before, I was taking a photo up your skirt.”

Following this incident, hospital staff directed Lewin to hand over his phone and sent him home from his shift. Later that day, police officers visited his residence to ensure his compliance with the existing SOPO, which was designed to restrict his access to certain types of material and prevent further offences. During the search of his home, authorities discovered a disturbing collection of images on his laptop and mobile device, including nearly 1,400 photographs depicting the sexual abuse of young females by adult males.

Further investigations uncovered that Lewin’s offending extended beyond this incident. On August 13, 2014, Lewin joined a walking club, where the group’s leaders were made aware of his criminal history. When one of the walkers was shown some photographs on Lewin’s mobile phone, she recognized images that violated his SOPO. This led to Lewin contacting the police, who seized the device and examined its contents. The images on the phone formed part of the 23 counts of possessing indecent images of children that Lewin faced in court.

Lewin’s criminal history is extensive. In 2008, he was sentenced to 100 weeks in prison after admitting to two counts of voyeurism for sexual gratification and six counts of possessing indecent images of children. Court records also reveal that he was caught twice peering over cubicles at Tandridge Leisure Centre in Oxted, attempting to watch young girls changing. Additionally, in 2011, Lewin was imprisoned for 30 months after filming up the skirts of two women with his mobile phone, further demonstrating a pattern of predatory behaviour.

During the court proceedings, Lewin’s defense lawyer, Feryal Ertan, argued that her client had not been given adequate opportunities for rehabilitation. She explained that at the time of the offences, Lewin was not on his medication for mental health issues and was abusing alcohol, which contributed to his loss of control. She highlighted his troubled childhood, which involved physical and sexual abuse, and described his current plea for help, expressing his desire to undergo treatment for sexual offenders and to lead a normal life. Lewin also reportedly entered into a civil relationship with a man while incarcerated, indicating some level of personal stability.

Judge Christopher Critchlow sentenced Lewin to 37 months in prison and imposed a 15-year SOPO. The judge emphasized the seriousness of Lewin’s offences, noting the impact on the nurse involved and the importance of rehabilitation. He stated, “You have a history of these sorts of offences. Obviously it was unpleasant for the nurse to experience this. I hope that this sentence will give you the opportunity in custody to take advantage of any courses you can, so when you come out of prison, you will not commit any more offences of this nature.”

In a related case from earlier in the year, Lewin admitted to making nearly 1,400 indecent images of children, some of which depicted toddlers under the age of two. The court heard that Lewin also pleaded guilty to taking an indecent photograph up a nurse’s skirt at Dorking Community Hospital. He was remanded in custody for sentencing scheduled for April 10, pending psychiatric assessments to evaluate his dangerousness and potential risk of re-offending.

Lewin’s criminal record includes multiple convictions for voyeurism, possession of indecent images, and other indecent acts, with previous sentences totaling over two years in prison. His history of offending, combined with recent offences, underscores the ongoing threat he poses to the community. The court’s decision aims to protect the public while also considering the possibility of rehabilitation through treatment programs, which Lewin has expressed willingness to undertake.

As the case concludes, the community remains concerned about the safety of vulnerable individuals and the importance of monitoring offenders like Lewin to prevent further harm. His case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals with a history of sexual offences and the need for vigilant law enforcement and judicial oversight.