GRAEME CROUCHER SHAMES CHUDLEIGH WITH SECRET FILMING AT SEASIDE HOLIDAY CAMPS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Chudleigh and the surrounding areas, Graeme Croucher, a 35-year-old man from Millway, Chudleigh, has been convicted of secretly filming underage girls in various locations, including a seaside holiday camp at Butlin's in Minehead. The incident, which spanned over an 18-month period, involved covert recordings of young girls in vulnerable situations, raising serious concerns about privacy and safety.

According to court records, Croucher was caught in the act after a teenage girl in Torquay discovered his hidden phone in a bathroom. She noticed the device concealed within a grey sock and, upon investigation, found it was set up to record her as she used the toilet. This discovery prompted police to intervene, leading to the seizure of the phone and a USB memory stick. Authorities uncovered a total of seven videos, with footage ranging from brief clips to recordings exceeding eight minutes, all taken between early 2017 and November 2018.

Further investigation revealed that Croucher had filmed a 14-year-old girl at Butlin's holiday camp in Minehead in April 2017. The footage, which inadvertently captured Croucher himself, showed him placing his phone on the floor and gradually moving it beneath the partition between cubicles until the girl was fully visible. This act of voyeurism was part of a broader pattern of deceit and planning, as highlighted during the court proceedings.

Police also found videos of other teenage girls, aged between 14 and 18, on his devices. The victims expressed their shock and distress upon learning they had been secretly filmed. One victim reported feeling sick, while others described feeling violated, underscoring the emotional trauma caused by Croucher’s actions.

During the trial at Exeter Crown Court, Recorder Mr. Jonathan Barnes sentenced Croucher to one year in prison. The court also imposed a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and mandated his registration on the Sex Offenders Register. The judge emphasized the clandestine nature of the videos, noting that they involved young girls in states of undress and that the offenses had taken place over a prolonged period, involving significant planning and deception.

Gareth Evans, prosecuting, stated that Croucher initially denied the allegations even after police had recovered the evidence and identified the victims. It was only during the court proceedings that he admitted to his misconduct. The case has not only resulted in legal consequences but also personal repercussions, as Croucher’s marriage ended following his arrest. Despite this, he continues to work as a golf club chef and warehouseman to support his family and pay maintenance.

This case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding voyeurism and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding minors from such invasive acts. The community remains concerned about the potential for similar incidents and the need for continued awareness and preventative measures.