MAN USED HIDDEN CAMERA TO TAKE INDECENT PICTURES OF A CHILD
Liam Cunliffe, a man from the St Helens area, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court to face charges related to voyeurism and the creation of indecent images of a minor, the court was told.It was revealed that Cunliffe's misconduct extended over several years, during which the victim felt uneasy.
The court heard that a concealed phone camera was discovered, with its angle set to secretly photograph the young girl.
The victim described this experience as the "worst possible thing," and said she felt angry and uncomfortable.
Cunliffe claimed the camera was placed there "by accident" when confronted.
The following month, authorities found another phone in a different location.
Cunliffe was detained shortly afterward, and evidence showed he accessed the camera remotely using an online service via a computer.
The investigation uncovered approximately 127 indecent images stored on the device, many showing the girl "naked and her genitalia visible." A personal statement from the victim highlighted her discomfort around Cunliffe.
Defending, Mr Jim Smith, noted that although Cunliffe did not admit guilt initially, he chose to plead guilty to reduce the victim’s stress and demonstrate remorse.
Mr Smith clarified that this case involved the creation of indecent images, but he acknowledged that harm was caused.
Cunliffe, aged 41 and struggling with anxiety and depression, was said to have been "keeping his issues bottled up for some time" and expressed sincere regret for the impact of his actions.
Judge Recorder Lamb commented on Cunliffe’s previously clean record and remarked, "It's all the more remarkable you should be before the court for matters of the gravity for those you have done." Considering the details, the judge decided to suspend Cunliffe’s sentence owing to his early guilty plea and mitigating factors.
He was sentenced to 12 months suspended for two years, with a ten-year restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order.
Cunliffe was also ordered to undertake a rehabilitation program.
