MARK NICHOLLS FROM STONEHOUSE CAUGHT IN GLORIOUS GLOUCESTERSHIRE WITH COVERT CAMERAS AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Gloucestershire community, Mark Nicholls, a 39-year-old resident of Stonehouse, has been found guilty of a series of heinous crimes involving the invasion of privacy and the exploitation of children. The case came to light after a routine computer repair led to the discovery of illicit material, revealing a disturbing pattern of voyeurism and possession of indecent images.

It was in August 2018 that Nicholls took his personal computer to a local repair shop in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, for servicing. Unbeknownst to him, the technicians working on his device uncovered a cache of indecent images depicting children aged between 11 and 15. Recognizing the severity of the material, the engineers promptly contacted law enforcement authorities, who responded swiftly to the scene.

Upon arrest, police seized the entire computer system and subjected it to detailed forensic analysis. The investigation uncovered a disturbing collection of material, including three Category A videos—the most serious classification—alongside 11 Category B videos and 67 Category C videos. Additionally, there were over 1,200 still images classified as Category C. The evidence also revealed 31 still photographs and numerous covert recordings of local women in their private moments, captured without their knowledge or consent.

Prosecutor Giles Nelson outlined the extent of the evidence, emphasizing the profound impact on the victims. One woman, whose privacy was egregiously violated, was described as devastated upon discovering that her private moments had been secretly recorded and stored. The court heard that Nicholls had also targeted another nearby woman, capturing her entering her home and undressing, as well as photographing a woman breastfeeding her baby in her backyard, which was enclosed by a six-foot fence, a space she believed to be private. This incident left her feeling anxious and violated.

Most disturbingly, the court was shown footage of an eight-year-old girl playing in her garden's paddling pool, completely unclothed. Nicholls admitted that he had taken these videos for his own sexual gratification, claiming that his turn to pornography and illegal videos was a consequence of his marriage breakdown. His actions, the court was told, had caused significant distress and upheaval in the lives of his victims.

Mark Nicholls, a former GCHQ intelligence worker who was awarded the Afghanistan Medal for his service, pleaded guilty to five charges of recording individuals engaged in private acts between January 2011 and December 2017. He also admitted to three counts of possessing indecent images of children, one charge of downloading such images, and three offences related to taking indecent photographs of a girl.

During the hearing, Judge Ian Lawrie QC decided to adjourn the case overnight, remanding Nicholls into custody to allow him time to reflect on his actions and future. Following the court proceedings, Nicholls described his night in prison as “terrible,” a sentiment that underscores the gravity of his crimes.

In sentencing, the judge imposed a three-year community order, requiring Nicholls to participate in 40 structured programme sessions. He was also ordered to pay £5,000 each to four victims of voyeurism, as a form of restitution. Furthermore, a 10-year restraining order was issued, prohibiting Nicholls from contacting his victims directly or indirectly. A sexual harm prevention order was also put in place, restricting his internet usage for a decade, and he was placed on the sex offenders register for five years.

Defense attorney Nicholas Jones highlighted the personal toll of the crimes, noting that Nicholls’s offending marked the end of a 20-year career working for the government at Cheltenham, where he was one of the few civilians awarded the Afghanistan Service Medal. Jones emphasized that Nicholls had lost his job and his marriage, and was now retraining for work in the forestry industry, acknowledging his efforts to address his past behavior and the potential for rehabilitation.

Judge Lawrie, addressing Nicholls directly, stated, “Your actions cross the custody threshold by some margin. Your offending has caused a lot of distress to your victims. You have an unhealthy obsession for young girls. You also didn’t seem to appreciate that you were invading people’s private spaces and the hurt that this has caused.” The judge further remarked that although Nicholls had taken some steps to recognize his problem, his actions warranted significant legal consequences.

In conclusion, the court’s ruling reflects the seriousness of Nicholls’s crimes, aiming to protect the community and prevent further harm. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who abuse their positions and invade the privacy of innocent victims in Gloucestershire and beyond.