RYAN MADDOCK FROM KIRK HAMMERTON SENTENCED FOR SPYING ON WOMAN IN WARRINGTON WITH HIDDEN CAMERA

In August 2022, a disturbing case of voyeurism culminated in the imprisonment of Ryan Maddock, a resident of Kirk Hammerton near York, after he was found guilty of secretly filming a woman in her own bedroom using a concealed camera. The incident left the victim feeling profoundly violated and shocked, highlighting the serious breach of her privacy and personal safety.

According to court reports, Maddock, aged 28, was caught spying on the woman in her Warrington home. The victim, who was going about her daily routine, noticed a flickering light in her bedroom after an electrical outage in March of the previous year. Upon investigation, she discovered that the light was emanating from a small, hidden camera strategically placed near her bed. The discovery was deeply upsetting, and she immediately unplugged the device. An impact statement from the victim described her emotional distress, stating that the incident made her cry and left her feeling 'absolutely violated, shocked and scared in her own home.'

Police were alerted, and upon approaching Maddock, he admitted to installing the camera. Authorities seized his mobile phone, which contained downloaded images recorded by the device. These images included footage of the victim leaving the bathroom, lying in bed, and even coming out of the shower, all captured without her knowledge or consent. It was revealed that Maddock had been spying on her for approximately a month and a half, demonstrating a significant level of planning and concealment to ensure the camera remained hidden from view.

During the court proceedings at Warrington Magistrates’ Court, the prosecution, led by Ashleigh Smith, outlined the details of the case. The court heard that Maddock’s actions represented a gross violation of privacy and personal security. Despite the severity of the offense, the magistrates considered the possibility of rehabilitation, with Mr. Coupe noting that Maddock had a 'realistic prospect of rehabilitation.' However, the magistrates decided that the case did not warrant a transfer to the Crown Court and chose to proceed with sentencing.

Magistrate John Nelson emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “This is not a pleasant case. The consideration we have had is whether or not it should go to crown court, however we have decided that we can deal with the matter today. But we will not be suspending the sentence, and you will be going to prison today.”

As a result, Ryan Maddock was sentenced to six months in prison. Additionally, he is required to adhere to sex offender notification requirements for the next seven years and must comply with a restraining order that prohibits him from contacting the victim or entering a specific street in Warrington for five years. The court also ordered the confiscation and destruction of the hidden camera used in the offense, underscoring the gravity of the breach and the court’s commitment to preventing similar incidents in the future.