Devon & Cornwall Police has confirmed the sentencing of a Newton Abbot man who used covert cameras to record young boys in private and school settings over a five-year period.

David Yilma, 44, a Czech national, was sentenced to 38 months in prison at Exeter Crown Court on 16 January 2025 after pleading guilty to multiple offences, including:

• Four counts of voyeurism.
• Three counts of making indecent images of children.
• One count of possessing a prohibited image of children.
• Two counts of producing indecent images of children.

Yilma pleaded not guilty to two charges of sexual activity with a child, and these were not pursued after consultation among all parties.

Elaborate Scheme

The court heard how Yilma, an IT expert and former teacher, installed covert cameras in private settings and an educational establishment in Suffolk. These cameras were meticulously disguised, with one hidden inside a Wi-Fi router and another in a cotton bud box.

Yilma’s crimes came to light when someone noticed a live feed from one of his cameras on his tablet. Upon arrest, police discovered a large volume of recorded footage of boys, along with other child abuse material accessed via the dark web.

Prosecutor Simon Burns described Yilma’s behaviour as “elaborate, highly skilled, professional installation of covert cameras”, with some offences involving handheld devices.

Sentencing

In sentencing, Judge David Evans stated:

“You are 44 and worked as a teacher for many years. You are an IT specialist and abused your role as a teacher and misused your knowledge of technology to facilitate these offences.”

Judge Evans noted that Yilma recorded seven boys during private moments, describing him as “a danger to young boys” who should not be allowed near educational establishments.

Yilma’s plans to establish a boys’ school in the Czech Republic were also mentioned, with the judge expressing hope that he never achieves this ambition.

Police and Victim Support

Detective Constable Natalie Mawson, the investigating officer, said:

“Today my thoughts are foremost with those affected by David Yilma’s actions. They have had their trust breached by a person that they should have trusted to protect them.

“David Yilma took advantage of children for his own sexual gratification, and I welcome the sentence that has been passed by the judge today.”

Support Services

If you or someone you know has been affected by this case, support is available:

• Victim Support: Call 0808 16 89 111.
• Devon and Cornwall Police Victim Care Unit: Call 01392 475900.
• Stop It Now: Offers anonymous help and resources for those concerned about child sexual abuse or their own behaviour: Stop It Now.

This sentencing underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.