The pen used to upskirt girls by teacher Mathew Gilkes

The covert recording device was among dozens of items seized by police after Mathew Gilkes was identified following an incident at a leisure centre in Chorley.

Gilkes, 47, formerly of Harrison Road, Chorley, who taught at a high school in Greater Manchester, pleaded guilty in November last year to 42 charges.

(Image: Lancashire Police)

Newly released pictures show one of the disguised pens officers say Gilkes used to secretly take more than a million upskirt images, including of pupils at a Greater Manchester high school where he worked as an ICT teacher.

Police uncovered the hidden devices after tracing Gilkes through his vehicle, leaving a leisure centre car park in August 2024.

A search of his home and workplace uncovered more than 80 devices, including phones, laptops, handheld cameras, memory cards and spy equipment.

Among the items recovered were school-issued devices and cameras disguised as pens and small cubes.

The pen used by the teacher. (Image: Lancashire Constabulary/PA Wire)

Gilkes also posed online as a teenage boy to talk to a large number of underage girls, grooming them and pressuring them to send images to him.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a sexual offence, report it online via https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/ or call 101. You should do so knowing you will be believed, you will be listened to, and we will do everything in our power to put the perpetrator before the courts.

Specialist support for anyone in Lancashire affected by sexual violence is available through Victim Support. Funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, their specially trained professionals offer free, confidential, and non-judgemental support.

They listen, provide emotional and practical help, and prioritise safety and confidentiality. Further information is available at victimsupport.org.uk/lancashire.