Pervert filmed up women’s skirts

A pervert who used his mobile phone to film up women’s skirts was branded “sleazy” by one of his 400 victims.

Lee Clarke (32) had targeted the unsuspecting women in busy areas of Manchester and Salford last summer.

His behaviour ended when he sneaked behind a young mum on an escalator in the City’s Arndale Centre, Manchester magistrates heard.

Jobless Clarke, of Seatoller Court, Royton, confessed to having photographed between 300-400 women without their knowledge, said Nick Smart, prosecuting.

The woman on the escalator said she was disgusted and horrified at Clarke’s actions: “I would like to see him go to prison. He should be ashamed of himself and made to feel as embarrassed as I am”.

Magistrates sentenced Clarke to 120 hours of unpaid work after he pleaded guilty to outraging public decency.

Mr Smart said Clarke initially maintained he hadn’t taken the picture for sexual gratification.

Suzanne Ludlow, defending, said Clarke was ashamed and full of remorse: “It was an unpleasant series of incidents. He wishes to express his sincere regret.”

The magistrates ordered his phone to be destroyed.