Andrew Mackie

Andrew Mackie, a 50-year-old man from Warrington with a extensive criminal history, was involved in an upskirting incident at Manchester Piccadilly railway station on 31 July 2020. Mackie, who has 25 previous convictions for 34 offences including voyeurism and breaches of sexual harm prevention orders, was spotted acting suspiciously near a woman who was seated with her legs crossed and engaged in a phone call.

According to prosecution advocate Richard Stone at Bolton Magistrates' Court, CCTV footage captured Mackie standing close to the woman while manipulating his phone. A nearby witness alerted authorities, leading British Transport Police to confront Mackie. Upon examination of his phone, officers discovered several images of the woman, including explicit photographs of her crotch area taken without consent.

Mackie provided a prepared statement to police denying the allegations of voyeurism and upskirting, claiming he was merely at the station to catch a train to Warrington. However, on 29 September 2021, the day of his trial, he pleaded guilty to the charge of operating equipment beneath the clothing of another without consent.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, shared a poignant victim impact statement detailing the profound effect the incident had on her. She described feeling 'paranoid' about being watched in public and more anxious about her personal safety. 'The incident has made me feel self-conscious, particularly on occasions when I would choose to wear a skirt,' she stated. 'I didn't realise that taking pictures in this way was a thing and it has made me more anxious about being out in public. I would say it has had a negative impact on me because of how I now choose to dress.'

Defending solicitor Peter Casson requested an adjournment for the preparation of a psychiatric report. Mackie, residing at Thelwall Lane in Warrington, was granted bail pending his sentencing hearing scheduled for 22 October 2021 at Manchester Magistrates' Court. This case highlights ongoing concerns about upskirting and voyeurism in public spaces, with British Transport Police playing a key role in the investigation.