ALAN GRIFFITHS FROM WINWICK ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CAMERA IN TEENAGE GIRL'S BATHROOM SCANDAL

In March 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving Alan Griffiths, a pensioner from Winwick, who was found guilty of secretly recording a teenage girl in her bathroom. The incident drew significant attention due to the nature of the crime and Griffiths' personal circumstances.

According to court reports, Griffiths, aged 71, had clandestinely attached a small camera to the base of a toilet in the girl’s home, using masking tape to secure the device. The camera was positioned in such a way that it could capture images of the girl in her most private moments. The victim, a teenage girl, discovered the camera when she noticed a flashing light indicating the device was active. Upon inspecting the camera, she saw her legs through the lens and, when reviewing the photos stored on the device, recognized the man in her own home.

Her immediate reaction was to contact the police, who swiftly responded by searching Griffiths’ residence on Newton Road, Winwick. During the investigation, authorities uncovered a disturbing collection of images on Griffiths’ laptop, including photographs of young girls as young as three years old being sexually abused. The police found a total of 30 such images, which added to the severity of the case.

It was revealed during the court proceedings that Griffiths was a close family friend who had frequent access to the household. He often took the children to school and performed various chores around the house, which made his betrayal even more shocking to the family and community. The prosecutor, Christopher Taylor, detailed how Griffiths had entered the woman’s property and discreetly placed the camera in the bathroom. The victim, who was 19 at the time, considered Griffiths a grandfather figure and believed they shared a special bond, which made his betrayal particularly devastating.

Emily Kempster, who chose to waive her right to anonymity, attended Liverpool Crown Court to read her victim statement. She described the profound impact the incident had on her mental health, stating that she had to take time off work due to anxiety and was receiving counseling. Kempster explained how her confidence was shattered, leading her to withdraw socially and become distrustful of older men. She recounted recurring nightmares involving Griffiths and expressed feeling unsafe in her own home, feeling constantly watched.

In sentencing, Griffiths received a 15-month suspended prison sentence, alongside 120 hours of unpaid work and participation in a rehabilitation program. A restraining order was also issued, and Griffiths was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. Judge Flewitt QC addressed the court, emphasizing the betrayal of trust and the damage caused to the victim’s confidence. He acknowledged Griffiths’ apparent remorse but highlighted the broader implications of his actions, noting that such images represent real victims worldwide.

Despite the gravity of the crimes, Griffiths avoided immediate imprisonment, a decision that drew mixed reactions. The judge praised the victim’s bravery in speaking out and underscored the importance of ongoing efforts to combat abuse and exploitation, especially when it involves trusted community members like Griffiths from Winwick.