Derek Anthony Grima, 40, from Ballarat, has pleaded guilty in the Ballarat Magistrates' Court to multiple charges related to the production of intimate images and the possession of child abuse material. He was found to have over 1,100 images and videos depicting child abuse and admitted to taking 172 upskirt images of women, along with 18 upskirt images of girls, with the youngest victim being just 13 years old. The incidents occurred in various locations including Ballarat, Geelong, and Melbourne between January and February 2025.

Magistrate Tara Hartnett expressed grave concern over the nature of Grima's actions, emphasizing that many of the victims were unaware they were being photographed and highlighted the invasion of privacy that such acts entail. The court noted that some of the women targeted were known to Grima, raising questions about trust and safety in the community. This case not only sheds light on personal violations but also raises broader issues regarding the prevalence of such offenses in public spaces.

The sentencing for Grima will serve as a critical reference point for similar future cases, particularly highlighting the need for stronger protections against voyeurism and child exploitation. This incident underscores an alarming trend in digital voyeurism, and it calls for legislative measures to address these crimes effectively, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding individuals' privacy rights in both physical and digital spaces.