A PAEDOPHILE who secretly filmed two schoolgirls in a state of undress with hidden cameras, has been jailed for three years and four months.

Burnley Crown Court was told how Simon Griffin, 34, who had earlier touched one girl and thought he had got away with it, was caught when 10 films were found on his computer and camera. One of the victims had felt she was being watched.

Griffin, who denied he was interested in children when questioned by the police, later admitted filming for sexual gratification.

The defendant, of Beresford Street, Nelson, had earlier admitted sexual assault, two allegations of voyeurism and eight counts of taking an indecent photo, at levels one and two, of a child.

He was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and was given a 10-year sexual offences prevention order, banning him from having or seeking contact or communication with any child under 16 and from having any device capable of storing images, unless it is made available for inspection.

David Macro, prosecuting, said the sexual assault victim said nothing at the time, but eventually told a schoolfriend what had happened to her. A dramatic change in her behaviour had been noticed.

The indecent images were found on a ‘carefully hidden’ computer folder when police seized the equipment. Griffin was arrested in the early hours and was interviewed by officers.

Robert Elias, for Griffin, told the judge: “These are deeply unpleasant offences, which any right-minded person would be horrified by and Your Honour will be disgusted by this sort of behaviour.

“He has brought his life crashing around his own head, through his own stupidity and criminal behaviour."

Mr Elias said the probation service felt Griffin could be assisted by a programme.

Sentencing, Judge Beverley Lunt said Griffin, still minimised the crimes he had committed.