Woman accused of helping husband to film girls

3^rd July 2009

A teaching assistant has been accused of helping her husband secretly film young girls at their home. Apparently the husband used hidden cameras, but he committed suicide shortly after being questioned by police.

The Children and Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act 1955 prevented the dissemination of certain pictorial publications harmful to children and young persons.  The Obscene Publications Acts 1959 and 1964 made certain strictures against “obscene matter” although it was not really targeted at child protection.  

However the Protection of Children Act 1978 prevented the exploitation of children by making indecent photographs of them.  The Act also penalises the distribution, showing and advertisement of such indecent photographs. 

Sections 45 to 51 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 now deal with indecent photography of children (including those aged 16 or 17).

See BBC news 2 July 2009 Woman helped husband film girls