ADAM BARUGH CAUGHT IN GUILTY PLEA AFTER SECRET CAMERA INCIDENT IN GUISBOROUGH AND BROTTON

In August 2015, a disturbing incident involving voyeurism came to light in the small town of Guisborough, with the offender, Adam Stephen Barugh, at the center of the controversy. The case unfolded after Barugh, aged 26 at the time, was found to have secretly installed a small digital camera in a private residence located in Brotton, a nearby community. The camera was discreetly affixed beneath a sink using velcro, directly facing a toilet, with the apparent intention of secretly recording women as they used the facilities during a social gathering.

According to court proceedings, Barugh’s actions were reportedly inspired by a scene from the American comedy film American Pie: Bandcamp, which features humorous and exaggerated depictions of women being secretly filmed. His solicitor, Paul Watson, explained to Teesside Magistrates’ Court that the prank was motivated by this film, but he also acknowledged that such humor does not translate well into real-life conduct. Watson emphasized that while the characters in the movie found the situation amusing, the reality of such actions is far from humorous and is, in fact, a serious breach of privacy.

The incident was discovered when a female guest at the party noticed a faint blue light emanating from beneath the sink while she was using the toilet. Alarmed, she alerted her mother and sister, who quickly responded by connecting a laptop to the camera. To their shock, they found footage that included a clear facial shot of Barugh setting up the device, along with videos capturing two women in the act of using the toilet. The family members shared this disturbing evidence with others present at the gathering and promptly expelled Barugh from the house. Despite the seriousness of the discovery, the group chose not to report the matter to authorities at that time.

However, the camera and footage were stored away in a drawer for approximately five years. The victim only contacted police after learning that Barugh, who resides at Newholme Court in Guisborough, had been interviewed by officers regarding a different matter. Prosecutor Lynne Dalton described the victim as being “disgusted and upset” upon viewing the video, and her mother and sister were “absolutely irate” about the invasion of privacy.

A victim statement read aloud in court expressed her feelings: “He had no right or authority to record. I feel disgusted at what he has done. I am concerned as to why he did it, and what he planned to use it for.”

It was revealed that Barugh had no prior criminal convictions. When questioned by police earlier in the year, he was not charged with any offense related to this incident, as confirmed by his solicitor. During the court hearing, Watson explained that in 2010, Barugh was going through a difficult period in his life, but over the subsequent five years, he had managed to obtain a degree and secure full-time employment. Watson added that Barugh had shown remorse and had moved on from his previous struggles.

Barugh admitted to the voyeurism charge when he was arrested and pleaded guilty. The magistrates acknowledged the gravity of the offense, noting that it could have resulted in a custodial sentence. However, considering his circumstances and mitigation, they decided to impose an 18-month community order with 18 months of supervision by the probation service. Additionally, Barugh will be required to register as a sex offender for the next five years, reflecting the serious nature of his actions.