A retired police officer has been sentenced to prison for secretly filming a young girl while she was using the restroom. John Bishop, who served in the police force for thirty years, was found to have collected disturbing indecent images of children.
During sentencing, the victim’s father expressed his disgust towards the 88-year-old, stating, “You disgust me. I hope the shame eats you up inside for the rest of your life.” The court learned that a Microsoft account associated with Bishop’s IP address had uploaded inappropriate content online, leading to a search at his residence in November 2024.
Authorities seized eight electronic devices during the search, including a Samsung mobile phone and a PC, which were found to contain indecent images. The prosecution revealed that these included 26 pictures and videos in the most severe category of abuse, along with additional illicit content in categories B and C.
Bishop, from Roby, Liverpool, admitted to taking inappropriate images of children, voyeurism, and possessing indecent images, resulting in a 14-year prison sentence. Despite his claims of innocence regarding any sexual interest in children, Bishop’s actions were condemned by the child’s father as despicable and harmful.
In court, Bishop’s defense emphasized his age, lack of prior criminal record, and community involvement, suggesting that rehabilitation was a viable option. However, the judge determined that immediate custody was necessary due to the severity of Bishop’s offenses, including the intrusive and exploitative nature of his actions towards the young victim.
In addition to the prison term, Bishop was issued a 10-year restraining order, a sexual harm prevention order valid for the next decade, and will be required to register as a sex offender for the same duration.