A probe into a sexual predator who targeted vulnerable young women takes centre stage in a gripping new two-part edition of 24 Hours in Police Custody.
Titled Nightclub Predator, the Channel 4 documentary offers an inside look at Cambridgeshire Police’s Rape Investigation unit as they worked relentlessly to bring Craig France to justice for his appalling offences.
Det Ch Insp Helen Tebbit explained: “This programme will show that sexual predators can cleverly disguise their depraved behaviours – victims may not realise they are being groomed.”
The inquiry into France, 34, commenced when a young woman bravely stepped forward in August last year to report she had been sexually assaulted.
When officers searched France’s Peterborough residence, they uncovered multiple concealed cameras containing over 6,000 shocking images and recordings, reports Cambridgeshire Live.
Police discovered France had filmed himself committing horrific acts against his victims whilst they were either unconscious or sleeping. Three additional victims were subsequently informed that, without their knowledge, they too had been recorded.
Given the vast amount of material and the nature of France’s criminal behaviour, authorities have indicated there may be further victims who remain unidentified.
Investigators believe these women could form part of a disturbing pattern – targets of voyeurism who were filmed after losing consciousness following excessive alcohol consumption provided by France, who then engaged in sexual activity with them whilst recording.
Despite mounting evidence against him, Craig France applied for bail after his arrest, putting the investigation team in a race against time to secure CPS approval for charges of rape and voyeurism.
The looming possibility of his release ramped up the urgency for the team, who faced the daunting task of informing women from France’s videos that they might be unsuspecting victims of his crimes.
What happened to Craig France?
In March 2025, Craig France, from Hammonds Drive in Peterborough, received a sentence of 10 years and 7 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to sexual offences, including rape and voyeurism, involving four victims over the period from 2021 to 2023. His crimes were perpetrated when he brought inebriated women to his residence following nights out in Peterborough.
He also confessed to sexual assault, indecent exposure, and voyeurism, with offences spanning across 2021, 2022, and 2023, as Judge Bishop was informed.
The court heard how France, a lorry driver by profession, committed these acts at his home and even distributed recordings of his misconduct.
Judge Bishop acknowledged that France had conceded to one count of rape, which resulted in “severe psychological harm” to the victim, as reported by BBC News. The judge declared France a “significant risk”.
Detective Chief Inspector Tebbit commented on the case, saying: “France portrayed himself as everyone’s best friend – caring, fun, and provided what his victims thought was a safe place to party.
“But in reality, he preyed on young women who had barely entered adulthood for his own sexual gratification.”
Cambridgeshire Police have issued an appeal for victims to come forward.
The force has urged anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a sexual offence to get in touch by calling 101 or using the web chat service on their website.
DCI Tebbit highlighted that given the extensive footage and the nature of France’s crimes, there could be more victims who have not yet come forward.
“I would encourage anyone who thinks they might’ve been a victim of a sexual offence to contact us on 101 or via web chat on the force website,” she stated.
“We take all reports of sexual offences very seriously. We have a dedicated team of specially trained officers ready to investigate allegations promptly, fully and professionally, and a network of partnership agencies and support services to offer assistance and support.”
24 Hours in Police Custody is available to stream on Channel4.com
