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A 39-year-old man, who sent WhatsApp messages in which he mentioned using hidden cameras, referred to himself and an acquaintance as "the Polish paedos" and discussed meeting outside a school, has been jailed for six years for sex offences involving a child.
Adrian Markiewicz received his sentence in the Royal Court yesterday, after admitting touching a girl sexually and taking indecent photographs of her.
The case was heard by the Superior Number - a panel of Jurats who only convene for the most serious cases - which also recommended deportation.
The court heard that the sexual touching had left the victim feeling disgusted, with Markiewicz also admitting the use of hidden cameras to obtain indecent photographs and videos, which were discovered on a mobile phone and laptops.
Crown Advocate Lauren Hallam said that Markiewicz had sent WhatsApp messages to an acquaintance in which he mentioned using hidden cameras, referred to himself and his acquaintance as "the Polish paedos" and discussed meeting outside a school in order to "spy on p*ssy".
The court heard that a complaint was made to police about Markiewicz’s behaviour in December 2021 and listed several occasions where the offences had taken place.
Pictured: Adrian Markiewicz (States of Jersey Police)
Crown Advocate Hallam said Markiewicz had been arrested and interviewed by police for unlawful sexual touching of a child, and causing or inciting a sexual act with a child, with the six charges relating to the images – comprised of 18 pictures and three videos – following later after his devices had been searched.
During his Police interview, the defendant was asked about his sexual preferences, in particular whether he was attracted to teenage girls. The Court heard that he responded that everyone is attracted to teenage girls, and that he admitted watching pornography involving teenagers.
Police found videos of adult women taken around St. Helier on his devices, and during their investigation learnt that Markiewicz had used covert video recording devices hidden in a pair of glasses and in a clock. A search of his home uncovered a ballpoint pen with a concealed camera.
Markiewicz subsequently pleaded guilty to all eight charges.
Pictured: Police questioned Markiewicz and searched his home.
Advocate Nicholas Mière, defending, said: “The feelings of disgust and repulsion felt by the public are shared by the defendant – he struggles to reconcile his actions.
“The defendant was caught up in a toxic male work environment and his rather unsavoury comments were a reflection of the pernicious effects of pornography and the way he was using it as an inappropriate coping mechanism.”
Deputy Bailiff Robert MacRae, presiding, said the charges represented "an appalling catalogue" of abuse, telling Markiewicz: "Children are entitled to be protected from people like you, and people like you need to be deterred from acting in this way.”
Markiewicz was given concurrent sentences of four years for the sexual act charge and two-and-a-half years for the sexual touching. Two years' imprisonment for the most serious sexual image charge was imposed as a consecutive sentence, making a total sentence of six years.
The Deputy Bailiff said the panel recommended that on his release from prison, Markiewicz be deported to his native Poland, with the final decision at that time resting with the Home Affairs Minister.
He was sitting with Jurats Robert Christensen, Michael Entwhistle, Rozanne Thomas, Pamela Pitman and Jerry Ramsden.
Speaking after the conclusion of the case, Detective Constable Sian Dupre from the Public Protection Unit said: "Police are thankful for the courage shown by the victim in reporting this to police and throughout the investigation.
"Any form of abuse against children will not be tolerated and the States of Jersey Police are committed to target those who offend in this way."
A Police spokesperson said anyone with concerns about suspected Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation should contact the Multi-Agency Support Hub on 519000 or the Public Protection Unit at Police Headquarters via 612612. Details for other support services can be found below:
SARC at Dewberry House provides expert independent and confidential support to victims of sexual abuse. Tel: 01534 888222.
Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) provide and maintain a supporting framework for survivors and their families. Confidential helpline: 01534 482800.
Jersey Women’s Refuge offer help and support for victims of domestic abuse. Tel: 0800 7356836.
Victim Support offer free and confidential advice to victims of crime. Tel: 01534 440496.
Victims First Jersey is a free and independent service offering confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime. Tel: 0800 7351612.
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