A sex offender has been characterised as ‘predatory and perverse’ by a judge for surreptitiously photographing a teenager in a lavatory.
Colin Pennell, previously of Latchford, using technology to surveil the woman and document her while she undressed, bathed and utilised the loo.
The 47-year-old was informed that his voyeuristic behaviour ceased only upon being apprehended, rather than by his own volition, and that he was hesitant to acknowledge his sexual motivations.
He received a sentence at Chester Crown Court on Monday, March 13, after admitting to a charge of voyeurism.
The court listened to prosecutor Jayne Morris, who detailed how the adolescent victim was preparing for the day by taking a morning shower.
Upon exiting while unclothed, she observed a recording device in the bathroom window, which incited much anger.
The complainant examined the device and discovered several images and videos of herself nude in the bathroom. The revelation rendered her profoundly distressed and in tears.
Cheshire Police were notified, and an analysis of the device uncovered 275 photographs and five videos of the complainant.
All material was clandestinely captured in the bathroom or shower, depicting her in various states of undress.
The court was informed that certain images and videos lacked metadata, rendering the timing of their capture indeterminate.
Subsequent to investigations, the defendant was apprehended and remained silent during his police interrogation.
The complainant stated in an impact statement that the offence has significantly affected her mental health, resulting in anxiety and contemplation of therapy.
She has experienced panic attacks and heart palpitations, which were absent before to the incident, and now feels paranoid about being observed, leading to a reluctance to go outside.
The statement indicated that the woman’s mental health is ‘very variable’, while discovering the events made her feel ‘nauseated, repulsed, and as like her stomach had inverted’.
Ms. Morris disclosed to the court that Pennell possesses two prior convictions for unrelated offences.
In defence of his client, Mark Connor stated: “I acknowledge that the case meets the custody threshold, and that the evidence unequivocally indicates a discernible pattern of behavior.”
He stated that Pennell is ‘profoundly ashamed and contrite’ regarding his acts and requested the court to contemplate delaying the impending prison sentence.
This would enable him to participate in a sex offender treatment program outside of an incarceration environment.
However, this appeal was denied by Judge Michael Leeming, who determined: “Your offences were not isolated and demonstrate a pattern of predatory and deviant sexual misconduct.”
You have been less than candid with probation authorities, providing no justification for your conduct and failing to acknowledge that your motivations were sexual from the beginning.
“You now acknowledge for the first time that your motivation was sexual gratification.”
He stated, “Had you not been apprehended, it is likely you would have persisted in that behaviour and not ceased voluntarily.”
“In my opinion, suitable punishment can only be realised through prompt incarceration.”
Pennell, currently residing on Snaefell Avenue in Liverpool, received an eight-month prison sentence.
He was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order to restrict his potential for reoffending and a restraining order forbidding contact with the victim, both for a duration of 10 years.
The defendant is now obligated to comply with sex offender registration and notification procedures for the next ten years.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 111 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.