A MAN repeatedly involved in “upskirting” has received a jail sentence.

Warren Murphy was sentenced to ten months imprisonment but a judge suspended the term for 18 months.

He told 30-year-old Murphy that if he went straight to jail he would be released after a few months but a suspended term meant he would receive rehabilitation help, reducing the risk to the public.

Liverpool Crown Court heard today (Monday, November 11) that Murphy now accepted that he committed the offences for the purpose of sexual gratification.

Murphy, of Liverpool Road, Neston, pleaded guilty to three offences of operating equipment beneath clothing without consent. Five other similar offences, which he denied, were ordered to lie on the file.

David Watson, prosecuting, told the court that the offences involved the defendant coming up behind a girl when she was aged 12 and 13 and putting his mobile phone camera beneath her clothing, including when she was wearing her school uniform.

Authorities were notified but her complaints were not referred to the police and it was last summer before she told the police and he was arrested in January this year.

In an impact statement the victim told how his offending behaviour meant she “lost her confidence, happiness and childhood” and she has suffered mental health problems.

Michael O’Brien, defending, said that Murphy, who has no previous convictions, “accept his motivation was sexual gratification and expresses remorse.”

He works as a warehouse operator and fork lift truck driver and provides for his young children.

“There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation,” said Mr O’Brien.

The judge, Recorder Ben Douglas-Jones, KC, ordered the defendant to carry out 200 hours unpaid work, 25 days rehabilitation activities and to attend the “building choices” probation programme.

He ordered him to sign on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and he also imposed a restraining order for the same length of time.

The judge commented that the victim for her bravery and persistence in going to the police “after the authorities appear to have let her down.”

He said that the girl described Murphy as having stolen her innocence and ruining her life and trust in people.