KEVIN BACCHUS CAUGHT IN NORTH SHIELDS AND RHYL UPSKIRTING SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that spans several years and multiple locations, Kevin Bacchus, aged 64, formerly of Rhyl and now residing on Balkwell Avenue in North Shields, has been convicted of a series of serious offenses involving the invasion of women’s privacy and the exploitation of children. The court heard that Bacchus used a covert camera hidden inside a shoe to secretly film under the skirts of women, including young girls, during public events and in various unknown locations.

The incidents came to light after a woman noticed Bacchus behaving suspiciously at a 1940s festival held in Colwyn Bay in April of the previous year. Witnesses observed him positioning his foot near other festival-goers and leaning forward in an awkward manner, which raised suspicion. An off-duty police officer present at the event quickly detained Bacchus after noticing his unusual behavior. It was later revealed that Bacchus’s shoe contained a sophisticated miniature camera capable of being operated from his pocket, allowing him to record under women’s skirts without their knowledge.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Jonathan Austin detailed that Bacchus had admitted to filming seven women at the Colwyn Bay event alone, with some victims identified and unaware of his actions. The court also learned that Bacchus had been engaged in this type of activity for approximately five to six years, seeking sexual gratification from these illicit recordings. Among the victims was a teenage girl wearing a summer school uniform, and a woman in her 60s was visibly shocked and distressed upon learning of her victimization.

In addition to the upskirting offenses, Bacchus pleaded guilty to a broader pattern of criminal behavior involving indecent images of children. Between August 2011 and April 2018, he took a total of 111 indecent photographs of minors. Furthermore, he created two images classified in the highest category of seriousness for child pornography, with these offenses spanning from 2007 to April 2018.

Judge Niclas Parry sentenced Bacchus to a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, coupled with a three-month curfew from 7 pm to 7 am. The court also imposed a sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits Bacchus from possessing any micro camera equipment unless it is integrated into a smartphone. The judge emphasized the gravity of Bacchus’s actions, stating, “Over a period of in excess of three years, you have repeatedly violated the privacy of hundreds of women. You would arm yourself so you could take intimate photographs. The equipment was sophisticated.”

Judge Parry acknowledged that the women involved were unaware at the time of the invasion of their privacy and noted that there was no evidence suggesting the images were distributed. He also recognized Bacchus’s remorse and shame, adding, “You are given an opportunity because I believe that affords the public greater protection. It’s now a matter for you.”

During the hearing, prosecutor Gareth Parry highlighted that Bacchus’s offending was uncovered following the incident at Colwyn Bay, which led to further investigations revealing his extensive history of similar crimes. The court was told that Bacchus had admitted to carrying out these acts over several years, with the intent of deriving sexual pleasure from his illicit recordings. The court was also informed that Bacchus had previously resided in Rhyl but was now living in North Shields, where he continues to face the consequences of his actions.