A man who sneaked behind women and took photos up their skirts was found with thousands of indecent images.

Martin Behan, 64, of Winters Way, crept up on his victim while she was shopping in Waltham Abbey Tesco at 7.30pm on August 23, 2018.

She felt something brush her leg, prompting the woman to swing round and find Bethan crouching down with his phone facing up toward her.

She demanded his phone and Behan handed it over.

The woman then told security at the shop who apprehended Behan until police arrived and arrested him.

Officers seized Behan’s phones, which were unlocked, and found thousands of photographs and videos of upskirting offences.

These took place in various locations including at train stations, at shops and in town centres in broad daylight.

Behan was re-arrested yesterday (February 7) at his address where further images on SD cards were found.

He was charged before appearing at court.

Inspector Lisa Cooke said: “Behan was in possession of thousands of images and videos. It is clear that wherever there was an opportunity to act, Behan did.

"He has remarked that women who wore skirts were fair game and he has not shown any remorse for his actions.

"We believe many of his innocent victims may not be aware that this footage has been taken of them.

"If any further complaints come to light, they to will be investigated. We would urge anyone with information to call Loughton police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Behan admitted to two counts of outraging public decency at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court. 

He is due to be sentenced on March 5.