Ex-PCSO Jailed for Filming Girls in Pool Changing Rooms
Matthew Shaw, 38, has been locked up for 14 years after being caught filming a girl in a swimming pool changing room. The former Derbyshire Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) was reported after a mother spotted him slipping a camera under a cubicle wall on April 27, 2022.
Arrest and Shocking Evidence Found
Shaw was arrested at his home two days later by Nottinghamshire Police. Officers seized multiple devices, including a hidden phone stashed in his garage roof.
Forensic checks uncovered more disturbing footage — videos secretly taken in other changing rooms. Even worse, Shaw was found to have engaged in online sex acts with several children.
Guilty Plea and Lengthy Sentence
Initially denying wrongdoing, Shaw later admitted to 21 counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity and three of voyeurism. At Nottingham Crown Court today, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison, followed by six years on licence.
He’s been placed on the sex offenders’ register and slapped with a sexual harm prevention order.
Police Condemn “Devious” Offender
Detective Chief Inspector Gemma Scott, Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Shaw is a devious and manipulative sex offender who is now starting a well-deserved prison sentence. Whilst he did not come into physical contact with his victims, he caused very real harm to vulnerable young people by exposing them to things they were simply too young to understand, let alone consent to.”
“Nothing is more important to us than the safety of children and we will always robustly pursue offenders. I am pleased Shaw has been jailed and hope this case serves as a warning — sooner or later, we will catch up with you and you will end up in jail.”
Simon Blatchly, Deputy Chief Constable at Derbyshire Police, added: “The offences are shocking. Shaw was suspended immediately and later resigned. Importantly, none of the crimes took place while he was on duty, and no victims were linked to his role.”
“PCSOs hold a unique position of trust within communities, especially with young people. His betrayal makes his crimes even more appalling.”
