Photographer jailed for sex attacks on models in Hackney studio

A photographer who lured models into his Hackney studio and sexually assaulted them has been jailed.

Police are now appealing for further victims of Sean Colclough, of Amhurst Road, to come forward after he was sentenced to a total of seven years in prison on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old worked as a full time photographer based in a studio in Wallis Road, Hackney Wick, and his clients included models and aspiring models who needed professional shots for their portfolios.

But in March 2011, he persuaded his first victim to undress during the her shoot and touched her intimately despite her attempts to get away from him.

Later the same month, he also talked another woman into stripping off before he touched and kissed her.

The first victim alerted police to the assault and Colclough was arrested following an investigation. Computer equipment was seized in a search of his home and studio, which led officers to identify the second victim.

He was sentenced to four years for the assault of the first woman and three years for the assault of his second victim at Snaresbrook Crown Court, having been convicted of the crimes in June. The sentences are to run consecutively.

Det Con Richard Brierley, of Tower Hamlets CID, said: “It is possible that other women have suffered similar assaults, and I would urge any other victims to contact police. They will be given the full support of specially trained officers and their allegations will be thoroughly investigated.”

Colclough was found not guilty of two further counts of sexual assault against two other women.