BRITISH Transport Police have thanked the ‘brave’ Knutsford Station schoolgirls who helped bring a ‘horrifying pervert’ to justice.

Knutsford upskirter, James Rudge, was jailed for 18 months on Tuesday, February 27, at Chester Crown Court, after admitted producing, making, and possessing indecent images of children, and multiple counts of voyeurism.

On Thursday, May 11, 2023, three schoolgirls, aged 15 and 16, spotted Rudge at Knutsford Station crouched down near the steps with his phone. 

He seemed to be filming the ground but, as the girls passed by, flipped his phone the other way around to film up their skirts.

One of the girls confronted the 41-year-old, who fled, so they reported the incident to BTP. 

Rudge was later identified from CCTV, and on arrest at his home address, officers searched the property and recovered his mobile phone.

On examination, the phone revealed numerous upskirting images as well as other more extreme pictures. 

When presented with the evidence, Rudge admitted all the offences.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Marsha Selby, said: "Thanks to the bravery of the young girls coming forward and immediately reporting Rudge, officers unravelled his secret life and the horrifying extent of his perversion.

"We will stop at nothing to deter, pursue, arrest, and bring sex offenders on the railway network to justice. 

“Every report is important. See it or experience it, you can report anything that makes you uncomfortable.

"We urge everyone to save 61016 to their phones and download the Railway Guardian app before you travel so you can discreetly get in touch with us if you need us.”