DARREL EATON FROM POTTERS BAR ESCAPES PRISON AFTER LEER AT LEISURE CENTRE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Potters Bar, Darrel Eaton, aged 39, of Rushfield, was found guilty of secretly recording a teenage couple during their changing routine at Furzefield Leisure Centre on April 4. The incident took place in the changing rooms of the popular leisure facility, where Eaton used his mobile phone to capture footage beneath the cubicle door without the knowledge or consent of the teenagers.

According to court proceedings, Eaton was present at the leisure centre around 5 pm, shortly after the teenagers had finished swimming. The young girl was in her underwear, preparing to leave, while her male companion was in the process of putting on his socks. During this time, Eaton allegedly placed his phone behind the cubicle door, aiming to record the teenagers in a private moment. The teenagers, unaware of the recording, noticed the device emitting light and flashing, which prompted them to confront the situation.

Upon realizing they were being filmed, the teenagers shouted at Eaton, questioning his actions. Their immediate reaction led staff members at Furzefield Leisure Centre to identify Eaton and request that he leave the changing area. A witness statement from the girl detailed her initial shock and fear, expressing concern that images or videos of her might be shared online. However, police investigations confirmed that no photos or videos of the teenagers changing were stored on Eaton’s phone.

During the court hearing at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on December 2, prosecutor Miss S Malik outlined the sequence of events and the evidence presented. Eaton pleaded not guilty to the charge of recording another person doing a private act for sexual gratification but was ultimately found guilty after a trial. Magistrate Susan Coley addressed Eaton directly, emphasizing the seriousness of the offence and the compelling evidence provided by witnesses.

Despite the gravity of the case, the court decided against imposing a custodial sentence. Instead, Eaton was sentenced to an 18-month community order, which includes 14 days of rehabilitation requirements and 200 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was ordered to pay fines totaling £705—comprising £620 in fines and an £85 victim surcharge. The magistrates made it clear that while prison was not deemed necessary, the community order reflects the seriousness of Eaton’s actions and serves as a warning to others about respecting personal privacy in public spaces.