HAYDEN RICHARDSON CAUGHT IN DOWNHAM MARKET TRYING TO SECRETLY FILM BOY IN SWIMMING POOL CHANGING ROOM

In December 2019, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Hayden Richardson, a 24-year-old man from Nordelph, Downham Market, who was caught attempting to secretly film a young boy in a swimming pool changing room. The incident took place at the Oasis Sports and Leisure Centre in Hunstanton, where Richardson was observed trying to covertly record the 12-year-old boy by placing his mobile phone beneath the cubicle door.

The boy's father, who was present at the scene, noticed Richardson's suspicious behavior and intervened, helping to apprehend him before any harm could be done. The court heard that Richardson's actions did not appear to be an isolated incident. When police arrived and examined his phone and an iPad found in his bag, they discovered evidence indicating that he had engaged in similar secret filming activities on previous occasions within changing room facilities.

Prosecutor Chris Youell revealed that police investigations linked Richardson to a prior complaint made by another 12-year-old boy on September 15 of the previous year. The young boy had noticed a mobile phone propped against a shoe and an iPad positioned in a manner that suggested it was attempting to film him from beneath the cubicle. These repeated offenses highlighted a pattern of voyeuristic behavior.

Further examination of Richardson's devices uncovered that he had downloaded indecent images of children, adding a disturbing dimension to his criminal conduct. As a result, Richardson faced charges of voyeurism and the possession of indecent images of minors.

During the court proceedings, Judge Katharine Moore addressed the seriousness of Richardson's actions. She emphasized that public spaces such as changing rooms must be safe environments where individuals can change without fear of being watched or recorded. The judge described Richardson's behavior as wholly unacceptable and noted that his actions could have profound psychological effects on his victims. She pointed out that Richardson had carried out these secret filming acts on more than one occasion, indicating a troubling pattern.

Judge Moore also made a pointed observation about Richardson's apparent sexual attraction to young boys around the age of 12. She stressed the importance of protecting the community from individuals who pose a risk of reoffending. To this end, she sentenced Richardson to a 12-month jail term, suspended for two years, and imposed a sexual harm prevention order to monitor his internet activity. Additionally, Richardson was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, and the devices seized during the investigation were confiscated to prevent further misuse.