Marcus O'Dell

A former West Midlands Police sergeant, Marcus O'Dell, has been sentenced for voyeurism after pleading guilty to observing a person doing a private act. The 46-year-old, from Marston Road in Stafford, appeared at Stafford Crown Court following his earlier guilty plea at Cannock Magistrates' Court.

O'Dell, who was dismissed from West Midlands Police last month for gross misconduct related to his guilty plea, was handed a four-month custodial sentence suspended for 12 months. In addition to the suspended term, he was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, pay £340 in costs, and a £140 victim surcharge. He is also subject to a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and has been placed on the sex offenders register.

The court dismissed two counts of common assault against O'Dell. Staffordshire Police, as part of the West Midlands force, investigated the case, highlighting the seriousness of misconduct by serving officers. A force special case panel ruled that O'Dell's actions warranted his immediate dismissal, stating that his behaviour fell far short of the standards expected of police personnel.

This incident underscores the accountability measures within UK policing, where voyeurism is recognised as a serious sexual offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. O'Dell's case serves as a reminder of the consequences for those in positions of public trust who breach such responsibilities.