Locations
Top Road, Frodsham, Cheshire West And Chester, WA6
Description
A man has been sentenced after he secretly recorded four children in a changing cubicle at a leisure centre in Widnes.
Ian Tabron appeared at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 23 June, where he was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for one year. He is also required to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for seven years.
The 40-year-old of Top Road, Frodsham, had earlier pleaded guilty to voyeurism.
The court heard how police were called to Halton Leisure Centre on Tuesday 19 May, following reports from staff that a man had tried to secretly recorded four children in a changing cubicle.
Officers attended and spoke to the children involved. They stated that after using the swimming pool, they went into a changing cubicle. While inside, they noticed a hand reaching under the door holding a phone, which appeared to be recording them.
The children notified their friends and the man started to walk away. He was confronted by staff but quickly made off from the scene.
Following CCTV enquiries, officers identified the man to be Tabron.
He was swiftly arrested and subsequently charged with voyeurism.
Detective Sergeant Chris Murphy said:
"I'd like to commend the children involved in this incident for recognising this incredibly concerning behaviour and raising these concerns with a member of staff.
"Their quick-thinking allowed our officers to swiftly arrest and apprehend a man who clearly poses a significant risk to children.
"Tabron knew what he was doing was unacceptable and predatory, but this didn't stop him from violating the privacy and safety of four innocent children.
"I can only hope he learns from this incident, knowing that our officers will stop at nothing to ensure those that pose a danger to children are arrested, charged, and put before the courts."