MARK OSBALDESDON FROM KIRKBY CAUGHT FILMING SCHOOLGIRLS' SKIRTS WITH SHOE CAMERA

In November 2013, a disturbing case emerged involving Mark Osbaldesdon, a 45-year-old man from Kirkby, who was caught engaging in highly inappropriate and illegal behavior targeting schoolgirls and women in his community.

Osbaldesdon’s actions came to light after a vigilant shopkeeper at a newsagents in Kirkby noticed suspicious behavior. The shopkeeper observed Osbaldesdon standing uncomfortably close behind teenage girls, which raised immediate concerns. Recognizing the potential threat, the shopkeeper confronted Osbaldesdon, challenging him about his presence and behavior. When Osbaldesdon was questioned, he attempted to justify his actions by claiming he had made a “stupid mistake.”

In a subsequent confrontation, the shopkeeper took decisive action by grabbing Osbaldesdon’s ankle, which led to his detention while authorities were contacted. The police arrived promptly and arrested Osbaldesdon, who was found to have a tiny USB camera attached to his shoe. This device was used to secretly record videos of women and schoolgirls as they walked by, specifically targeting their skirts. The footage was later edited on his laptop, revealing his disturbing obsession.

One of the videos captured Osbaldesdon’s face clearly as he activated the hidden camera, indicating a deliberate attempt to record without consent. Further investigation at his residence on Ingo Lane, Kirkby, uncovered a cache of 144 extreme pornographic images stored on his computer, highlighting the extent of his inappropriate interests.

A schoolgirl who was secretly filmed expressed her feelings of anger and vulnerability. She stated that she now feels unsafe when going out alone and described herself as “very paranoid.” To protect herself, she now wears shorts underneath her skirts in case she encounters similar situations again.

Osbaldesdon faced multiple charges, including four counts of outraging public decency, four counts of voyeurism, and one count of possession of extreme pornography. His defense argued that he was a “pathetic man” in need of psychological help to address his unhealthy interests, emphasizing that he lacked empathy for his victims.

Judge David Aubrey, QC, presided over the case at Liverpool Crown Court. He acknowledged the seriousness of Osbaldesdon’s behavior but also recognized the importance of treatment. The judge stated, “There is no doubt whatsoever you have an unhealthy interest in looking at that which you have been looking at. The issue that the court has is how best to seek to rid you of that urge which you have.”

Ultimately, the court decided that the public’s safety, particularly that of women and teenage girls, would be best served by requiring Osbaldesdon to undergo therapy. He was sentenced to a 12-month prison term, suspended for two years, and was ordered to attend the Northumbria sex offender program to address his offending behavior. Additionally, Osbaldesdon was subjected to a 10-year sexual prevention order, a 10-year notification requirement, and a two-year supervision order to monitor his conduct and prevent further offenses.