Upskirter locked up after targeting schoolgirls

A predator who used his phone to take photos up the skirts of vulnerable young schoolgirls has been locked up. 

Detectives praised the bravery of victims who came forward and put their trust in them to investigate after they had been preyed upon by 32-year-old Tiyumtamba Harruna. 

Harruna deliberately sought out and followed the teenage girls he targeted before taking invasive upskirting photos.

Following his arrest, he told police he got a thrill from getting away with his offending and denied taking the photos for his sexual gratification. 

Harruna targeted six girls in different parts of Nottingham, namely Bestwood, Eastwood, and Top Valley, between March 2022 and March 2024. 

One of his victims, aged 13 at the time, was walking home from school in Eastwood, on 2 March 2022, when Harruna followed her, approached her from behind, put his mobile phone up her skirt and tried to take a photo. He ran off when she turned around.

The same girl was targeted again by Harruna, on 4 May 2022, as she walked home from school in Eastwood. She managed to take a photo of him as he made off after trying to take another upskirting photo.

Other girls he followed and targeted in the same way were aged 15 and 16 at the time.

Harruna was also seen following another unknown girl who was seemingly unaware of what was happening as he tried to take a photo under her skirt.

Following an extensive investigation into the series, which included examining CCTV and mobile phone footage, Harruna was charged in relation to the offences. 

He pleaded guilty to four counts of operating equipment beneath the clothing of another without consent, two counts of attempting to make an indecent photo of a child, and one count of attempting to operate equipment beneath the clothing of another without consent. 

Harruna, formerly of Campbell Close, Broxtowe Estate, was jailed for two-and-a-half years when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday (25 July 2024).  

He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life and issued with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

Sentencing Harruna, Judge Michael Auty KC said: "You effectively stalked young girls around the streets of Nottingham.

"You have no idea of how fragile any of these young girls may be. You invaded their personal space and their dignity was trashed for your sexual gratification. The adverse effects your behaviour had on them are incalculable."

Detective Constable Gemma Patterson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Harruna violated these girls’ privacy and dignity in a most degrading manner as they went about their daily lives.

“I'd like to praise the strength and courage of the victims who came forward, spoke to us about what happened, and trusted us to investigate. 

“I hope it gives people confidence that Nottinghamshire Police will listen to victims, take them seriously and treat them with respect, and investigate reports thoroughly. 

“As a force, we will continue to do everything in our power to protect the public from dangerous predators like Harruna. 

“We would encourage anyone who is a victim or witness of upskirting to immediately report it to us. Your report can help us stop it happening to someone else. 

“If you believe that you have been a victim of upskirting then contact the police by dialling 101. In an emergency call 999."

For more advice visit: Voyeurism and upskirting | Nottinghamshire Police