David Ian Wales

A 45-year-old man from Durham has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison after an investigation revealed he had installed secret cameras in toilets and stolen women's underwear from student housing.

David Ian Wales, residing on Sherburn Road in Durham, was arrested following a search of his home where officers uncovered more than 11,000 images and videos, including recordings of women in toilets and indecent footage of children. The investigation also found evidence of Wales setting up cameras in various toilets, leading to charges of two counts of voyeurism and two counts of attempting to observe a person doing a private act.

In addition to the sexual offences, Wales pleaded guilty to multiple burglaries targeting student properties, during which he stole items such as iPads, mobile phones, cameras, and women's underwear. The offences involved making indecent photos of a child, highlighting the disturbing nature of his activities.

The case was heard at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday, 12 September 2023, where Wales was jailed for 34 months. The complex investigation was led by Detective Constable Georgina Lewis and Susan Cason from the Digital Investigations team, supported by Detective Constable Jason Quye from the Volume Crime team.

DC Lewis commented on the challenging nature of the probe: 'This was a difficult and disturbing investigation which included the review of hundreds of extreme and distressing pieces of digital material. Officers from varying departments worked intensely to build a strong case which left Wales with no option but to plead guilty. I hope that his sentencing provides some comfort to his victims who were completely unaware of his sexual offending.' The case was reported by ITV News Tyne Tees on 15 September 2023.