COURT SENTENCES PUB VOYEUR FOR FILMING WOMEN IN TOILETS
A PERVERT who filmed women as they used a pub toilet appeared in court to be sentenced.The 32-year-old, Martin James Picton from Slatey Road, Oxton, was given an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after police found seven indecent videos of women on his mobile phone.
The court heard that he pleaded guilty to eight counts of voyeurism and admitted loitering outside a window belonging to the Shrewsbury Arms pub's ladies toilets, for his own sexual gratification.
In the early hours of New Year's Day, Picton aimed his phone through the window and tried to film a woman using the toilet before her friend noticed and snatched the device from his hand.
Police later found seven other videos dating back to November 2006, all recorded from the same spot.
An incoming text message discovered on the phone read: 'Can't wait to see the pics.' Wirral Magistrates Court also revealed that Picton had been convicted of a similar offence in 2001 when he was caught listening to women using toilet facilities at John Moores University.
His defence lawyer Sinead Fearon argued that he was in need of help more than punishment and urged magistrates to consider his guilty plea and cooperation.
She claimed Picton is disgusted with himself and has shown remorse but emphasized that he is not sexually perverse.
Prosecutor Carole Evans suggested a sexual offences prevention order should be imposed to protect the public from serious sexual harm.
Magistrates sentenced Picton to an eight-month prison term, suspended for two years, and ordered him to participate in a two-year community rehabilitation program.
A sexual offences order was also issued banning him from entering the grounds of the Shrewsbury Arms pub and any ladies toilets, and from introducing sound, recording, or picture devices to lavatory premises.
He was ordered to sign the sexual offenders register for five years and pay costs of £50.
Magistrates chairman Alistair Coates stated the seriousness of the case and the need to protect the public.
Since the incident, the owners of the Shrewsbury Arms have nailed the window shut.
