MATTHEW CREESE CAUGHT FILMING GIRL IN CLACTON BATHROOM AND POSSESSING BESTIALITY IMAGES IN SPALDING

In May 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving Matthew Creese, a 33-year-old man whose actions have shocked the communities of Clacton and Spalding. The incident began when a young girl, only 11 years old, was in a bathroom in Clacton preparing to take a shower. During this private moment, she noticed a mobile phone hidden behind a plant pot, which immediately raised suspicion. Upon investigation, she discovered that the phone was actively recording video footage of her in the bathroom. Horrified by this invasion of her privacy, she quickly deleted the footage and alerted her parents, who were understandably distressed by the incident.

Prosecutor Kate Davey described the scene at Chelmsford Crown Court, where Matthew Creese was sentenced. She explained that the remaining footage on the phone showed a clip of Creese setting up the device in a manner that could record the lavatory area. The young girl, upon finding the phone, was extremely upset and took swift action to remove the recording before notifying her family. The court heard that this act constituted voyeurism targeting a minor, a serious offense.

Following the incident, Creese fled the scene but was later apprehended by authorities. During police interviews, he claimed that he did not intend to film his young victim. Ms Davey noted that Creese denied any deliberate filming or sexual intent, asserting that he often filmed himself in the bathroom as a joke to send to his brother. However, analysis of the phone revealed far more disturbing content. Among the images found was an extreme photograph depicting a sexual interaction with a dog, specifically a Labrador, which added to the severity of the case.

Further examination uncovered additional troubling material. Although not part of the initial charges, investigators found a series of video clips taken in various large retail stores such as B&Q and supermarkets. In these clips, Creese appeared to be surreptitiously filming women aged approximately 18 to 30 from behind, focusing on their buttocks, particularly when they were wearing tight jeans. This behavior indicated a pattern of voyeuristic conduct extending beyond the initial incident.

Creese admitted to the charges and expressed remorse, offering an apology to the victim and her family. The court sentenced him to a six-month suspended prison term for two years. In addition to the suspended sentence, he was ordered to pay £1,200 in court costs and will be required to register as a sex offender for the next seven years. The case highlights the serious nature of voyeurism and the dangers posed by individuals who engage in covert filming, especially when minors are involved.