A man has been jailed after sexually assaulting women in supermarkets across Greater Manchester and Cheshire in England.
William Kidd, 27, targeted women while they were shopping in everyday public settings.
Kidd followed victims through store aisles before spraying liquid onto their hair and backs. Many of the women were unaware of what had happened at the time. Forensic analysis later confirmed the substance was his semen.
The offences took place between May and September last year. Kidd targeted women in shops across Macclesfield, Handforth and Stanley Green. He also committed offences in Denton and Stockport.
CCTV footage showed him following several victims around different stores. He appeared to move close behind them before spraying the substance from a bottle. The footage became key evidence in the case against him.
The man from Stockport later admitted several sexual offences at Manchester Crown Court. He said he was a sex addict when challenged by security guards. He also said he had acted to get a sexual thrill.
Police found more evidence on his phone
Investigators later searched Kidd’s mobile phone after his arrest. They found evidence showing the wider extent of his offending. The material included footage of women being filmed underneath their clothing.
One video showed Kidd filming up the skirt of a woman pushing a supermarket trolley. The discovery led police to bring further charges against him. Prosecutors said the phone evidence showed a pattern of predatory behaviour.
Kidd was charged with 25 offences in total. The charges included 11 counts of sexual assault. He also faced five counts of voyeurism.
There were eight counts linked to filming women underneath their clothing. He was also charged with one count of cannabis possession. The case was brought after a detailed police investigation.
Cheshire Police had earlier released a CCTV image of Kidd to the public. Officers appealed for help identifying him after the incidents. The appeal helped investigators move the case forward.
Prosecutors described repeated offending
Senior crown prosecutor Shannen Carey said Kidd had become a prolific offender over about four months. She said he targeted women who were simply shopping. She also said the victims were unaware of his actions.
“Over a period of around four months last summer, William Kidd became a prolific offender, targeting women who were completely unaware of what he was doing and were simply shopping,” Carey said.
“He clearly gave no thought at all to how these women would feel.”
Carey said the impact on the victims would likely last for a long time. She said Kidd was now a convicted sex offender. She also thanked the victims for helping bring the prosecution.
“The effect of what he did will no doubt stay with the victims for a long time, and he is now a convicted sex offender.”
“The CPS would like to thank the victims for their help in bringing this prosecution, and the retail staff at the stores where the offending took place for their assistance in providing evidence.”
“We would also like to thank Cheshire Police for their meticulous investigation.”
Kidd received four-year prison sentence
Kidd, of Stanhope Street in Stockport, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court. He received a four-year prison sentence on Friday, May 29. He was also handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
Detective Constable Tiffany Berry-Perkin spoke after the sentencing. She said Kidd had deliberately targeted innocent women during ordinary daily activities. She also said he had posed a danger to women in local communities.
“Kidd deliberately targeted innocent women as they went about their everyday lives, entirely unaware of the depraved acts he was committing against them.”
“His behaviour is completely unacceptable, and I welcome the fact that he is now being held accountable behind bars, where he can no longer pose a danger to women in our communities.”
The sentence followed months of offending across several shops. The case involved store CCTV, phone evidence and victim testimony. Police and prosecutors said the offences had caused serious harm to women targeted while shopping.
Featured image credit: Greater Manchester Police
