ANDREW SHAW FROM WALLASEY ESCAPES JAIL AFTER VOYEURISM AT GUINEA GAP BATHS

In November 2013, a disturbing case unfolded involving Andrew Shaw, a young man from Demesne Street in Wallasey, who was accused of secretly filming two 16-year-old girls while they were changing in the cubicles of Guinea Gap baths. Shaw, then 20 years old, appeared before Wirral magistrates to face charges of voyeurism, to which he had earlier pleaded guilty. The charges covered a period of three months during the previous year, highlighting a pattern of invasive behavior that shocked the local community.

The incident came to light when one of Shaw’s victims, who was also 16, noticed a small black camera lying on the floor between two unisex cubicles after she and her friend had finished swimming. She observed a hand adjusting the device and picking it up, which immediately raised her suspicions. Confronting Shaw, who was 19 at the time, she demanded an explanation. Shaw denied ownership of the camera and even offered to destroy it, but the girl refused to hand it over and instead reported the matter to the staff at the facility.

Police were called and the device was seized for examination. Subsequent investigations led to Shaw’s arrest at his home. During police interviews, Shaw admitted to filming the girl on multiple occasions, as well as another 16-year-old girl. Police recovered eight videos from the device, which showed both victims in states of undress, a revelation that compounded the severity of his actions.

In court, it was revealed that Shaw had justified his secret filming by claiming he derived a “kick out of not getting caught,” a disturbing motive that underscored his lack of remorse. The court also heard that Shaw was in the final stages of joining the Royal Navy, having been close to completing his assessment last January. However, his conviction now cast doubt on his future naval career, with the possibility of an eight-year delay before he could be considered again. As an alternative, Shaw was currently volunteering for the charity Age UK, a role he undertook voluntarily.

Victims’ statements were read aloud in court, including one from a girl who expressed how her confidence and enjoyment of swimming had been severely affected by Shaw’s actions. She described feeling violently sick when recalling the incident and said it had impacted her relationship with her parents, leaving her feeling violated and traumatized. The emotional toll was evident, and her words underscored the profound impact of Shaw’s misconduct.

Shaw’s defense lawyer, Chris Williams, argued that his client was remorseful and had not fully grasped the extent of the harm caused. He highlighted Shaw’s efforts to apologize through letters to the victims and noted that Shaw was in the process of seeking rehabilitation. Williams also pointed out Shaw’s current employment with Age UK, emphasizing his attempts to make amends.

In sentencing, the chair of the bench, Dr. Christine Smith, acknowledged that the offense was serious enough to warrant custody but opted for a community order instead. She ordered Shaw to complete a three-year sex offender treatment program, believing this would be more effective in preventing future offenses. Additionally, Shaw was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for five years and pay £250 in compensation to each of the victims. The court’s decision aimed to balance punishment with the potential for rehabilitation, given the nature of the crimes committed in Wallasey.