BALAZS SOMOGYI SHAMES HEXHAM LEISURE CENTRE WITH CHILD VOYEURISM SCANDAL

In September 2012, a disturbing case emerged involving Balazs Somogyi, a man whose actions have shocked the community of Hexham and cast a dark shadow over the local leisure facilities. Somogyi was found to have secretly installed hidden cameras at Wentworth Leisure Centre, a popular recreational spot in Hexham, with the sinister intent of capturing children and unsuspecting adults as they undressed in the changing areas.

Details of the investigation revealed that Somogyi, who is 38 years old and a father of two, had meticulously collected a disturbing archive of footage and photographs. These images depicted children and women in various stages of undress, taken without their knowledge or consent. The police uncovered three bags filled with DVDs and other recordings, which had been hidden beneath the floorboards of his family home in Hexham. The footage was filmed over a period spanning from January 2007 to July 2012, indicating a long-standing pattern of voyeuristic behavior.

Among the material seized, authorities identified 35 clips from the Wentworth Leisure Centre, with 17 of these potentially involving minors. The evidence pointed to Somogyi’s deliberate targeting of vulnerable individuals, capturing them in private moments within the changing cubicles. The case came to light in July when police executed a search warrant at his residence, uncovering the extensive collection of illicit recordings. Somogyi’s actions have been described as deeply disturbing, with his motives rooted in a perverse desire for self-sexual gratification.

During court proceedings at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, Somogyi pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including 15 counts of voyeurism, six counts of making an indecent image of a child, one count of possessing an indecent image of a child, and one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image involving a dead animal. His legal team requested that the court restrict the reporting of the specific locations where the filming occurred, but this request was challenged by the prosecution. Ultimately, District Judge Stephen Earl decided that transparency was in the public interest, and the full details of the case were disclosed.

While Somogyi was allowed to retain his current address—residing at a friend’s home following his marriage breakdown—the court took measures to protect him from potential vigilante retaliation by keeping his location confidential. Prosecutor Judith Williams confirmed that some of the DVDs contained footage filmed at Wentworth Leisure Centre, showing females and children undressing in the changing areas. She stated that Somogyi had made full admissions to the police upon arrest.

In his defense, Emma Ferguson, representing Somogyi, emphasized his cooperation and remorse, noting that he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. The court decided against imprisonment, instead imposing a three-year community order with supervision. Additionally, Somogyi was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for five years, which prohibits him from possessing recording devices or being in public places unaccompanied where females are undressing.

Judge Earl expressed his distaste for the case, highlighting the gravity of filming individuals without their knowledge for sexual gratification. He acknowledged that while prison was a possibility, the risk of further offending was significant, and thus, a community-based sentence was deemed appropriate.

The management of Wentworth Leisure Centre, operated by North Country Leisure on behalf of Northumberland County Council, issued a statement reassuring the public. They confirmed that staff are trained through the national Leisure Watch program to handle such rare incidents and that they have cooperated fully with law enforcement during the investigation. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, raising concerns about safety and the importance of vigilance in public recreational spaces.