VICTIMS of a dangerous voyeur who were targeted as they went about their day-to-day lives have been praised for their courage.

Ian Betts, of Celyn Park in Carmel, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentence on Tuesday morning.

The 61-year-old admitted numerous offences including: eight of recording under clothing (a form of voyeurism also referred to as upskirting), three of making indecent images, four of taking indecent images, one of possessing prohibited images and two of attempted upskirting.

David Mainstone, prosecuting, told the court that Betts had been recording his victims at the Tesco supermarket in Mold.

The defendant was jailed for 33 months for his crimes.

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Speaking after sentencing, investigating officers DC James Moult and PCSI Erin Shawcross said: "Ian Betts is a dangerous offender who preyed on women and girls whilst they went about their day-to-day activities, unaware that they were being targeted and filmed for nothing other than his own sexual gratification.

"We would like to praise the victims and their families for supporting this investigation throughout, and for the courage they have shown in providing their accounts under such difficult circumstances."

PC David Allmark of the force’s Digital Forensics Unit said: “This was a lengthy and detailed investigation, with the digital forensic examination and analysis of multiple devices. 

"The evidence obtained was significant and overwhelming, revealing offences over an extensive time period.

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The Leader:

"Betts will now be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to safeguard the public going forward, including not to be in possession of any device capable of taking a photo/video in public. 

"He will also need to register as a sex offender and will be monitored going forward.

"This type of offending will never be tolerated, and the public can be assured that any reports of such behaviour will be dealt with thoroughly and robustly."