David Owen

A voyeur who secretly recorded two women in their most private moments has been sentenced at Warrington Magistrates’ Court.

David Owen, 51, of Sandfield Crescent, Glazebury, pleaded guilty to two counts of voyeurism. The court heard that between 2012 and 2022, Owen hid cameras and recorded the victims using the toilet, showering, and getting changed. Prosecuting, Charlie Hayward described Owen’s actions as “a sinister and intrusive pattern of behaviour that went undetected for some time”.

The victims, who are entitled to anonymity, feel ashamed and are worried about what the images were used for, who has seen them, and where they may have been distributed, the court was told.

In mitigation, defending counsel Peter Green said Owen was ashamed of his behaviour and had paid a high price. “Mr Owen has paid a high price as a result of these offences because, not only has he lost his marriage, he has also recently lost his job,” Mr Green said. Owen had been employed for more than four years, earning £50,000 a year plus bonuses.

Owen was handed an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. He must also complete 40 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a two-year restraining order was imposed preventing him from contacting both victims.