CZECH TEACHER DAVID YILMA JAILED IN NEWTON ABBOT FOR COVERT CHILD RECORDINGS

A teacher with a disturbing history has been sentenced to prison after covert cameras were found recording young boys in private and school settings. David Yilma, a 44-year-old Czech national residing in Newton Abbot, was given a sentence of three years and two months at Exeter Crown Court.

The court heard that Yilma, who worked as an IT expert, meticulously installed hidden cameras in various locations, capturing footage of boys over several years. These offences occurred both in South Devon and Suffolk, with some recordings made at a school in Suffolk. Evidence revealed that at least one camera was disguised inside a Wi-Fi router, while another was concealed within a cotton bud box.

The discovery was made when someone noticed a live feed from one of Yilma’s cameras on his tablet, prompting police intervention. Investigations into his devices uncovered extensive footage of the boys he secretly recorded, along with other child abuse material accessed via the dark web.

Prosecutor Simon Burns described Yilma’s conduct as the “elaborate, highly skilled, professional installation of covert cameras.” The indictment also included incidents where Yilma used handheld devices to secretly record his victims.

Yilma, who has no previous convictions, admitted to police that he was attracted to boys. Judge David Evans addressed the court, stating: “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.”

The judge further noted that Yilma had recorded footage of seven boys engaged in activities where they would expect privacy, adding, “You are clearly a danger to young boys and would be a maligned presence in any educational establishment.”

Yilma previously pleaded guilty to four counts of voyeurism, three counts of making indecent images of children, one count of possessing a prohibited image of children, and two counts of producing indecent images of children. He denied two counts of sexual activity with a child, but these charges were not pursued after discussions among all involved parties.

Judge Evans also expressed concern about Yilma’s plans to establish a boys’ school in Czechia, commenting, “I hope he is never successful in his ambition.”

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Natalie Mawson stated: “Today my thoughts are foremost with those affected by David Yilma’s actions. They have had their trust breached by someone meant to protect them. David Yilma took advantage of children for his own sexual gratification, and I welcome the sentence handed down today.”

Support is available for those affected by this case. Victimcare-dc.org offers support and information about rights and navigating the criminal justice system. Victim Support can be reached at 08 08 16 89 111, and Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit at 01392 475900. Additionally, the Stop It Now charity provides an anonymous helpline for concerns related to child sexual abuse and helps individuals worried about their own thoughts or behaviors or those of others, accessible at www.stopitnow.org.uk.