PERVERT SECRETLY FILMED SCHOOLGIRL AS SHE CHANGED IN HER BEDROOM
Mark Helliwell, aged 49, was acquitted and allowed to leave court despite having secretly recorded a schoolgirl by filming from outside her home with a camcorder.During proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, Crown Prosecutor Andrew McInnes stated that the girl observed Helliwell looking up at her window in December 2020.
She then began documenting his suspicious behaviour, noticing that he would frequently stare at her window and retreat when she or her parents confronted him.
The girl and her family took multiple photographs of Helliwell’s conduct and reported him to the police.
He was detained on March 24, 2021.
A subsequent search of his residence revealed a Panasonic camera and a memory card containing 41 videos depicting the girl some zoomed in on her inside her bedroom and bathroom.
One of the clips showed her applying makeup in front of a mirror before heading to school.
The recordings ranged from seven to 48 seconds in duration.
Police later confirmed Helliwell admitted the purpose of filming her was sexual in nature, the court heard.
The girl’s mother provided a victim impact statement, reading aloud her concerns about her daughter’s nightmares caused by Helliwell’s actions.
Her distress underscored the harm done.
Defence lawyer Trevor Parry-Jones described Helliwell who resides on Howbeck Road, Oxton, with one child as an intelligent individual with many positive traits.
However, his actions had destabilised his life significantly.
He noted that Helliwell’s siblings were shocked and disbelieving of his behaviour, and that his marriage had ended, his home sold, and he was now living in rented accommodation.
Mr Parry-Jones emphasised that Helliwell lacked social support and recognized that he would carry the consequences of his actions for life.
Sentencing the defendant, District Judge Jack McGarva referred to the victim’s statement, in which she expressed her fear.
The judge acknowledged that Helliwell's conduct caused her to feel terrified, and that her childhood had been impacted.
Helliwell pleaded guilty to stalking and voyeurism offences with no prior convictions.
He was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for a year, and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.
Additionally, he must register as a sex offender for ten years and avoid contact with the victim and her family, including not entering their street.
Initially, reporting restrictions prevented the media from naming Helliwell.
However, following a legal challenge by the Wirral Globe, Newsquest, the Liverpool Echo, and Reach plc, the restrictions were lifted.
District Judge McGarva explained that the open justice principle justified the decision, and the measures taken were proportionate to protect the victim.
