DANIEL CHADWICK CAUGHT SPYING ON CHESTER SPORTS CLUB TOILETS IN NORTH WALES

In January 2021, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Daniel Chadwick, a resident of Chester, who was caught secretly filming individuals in a North Wales sports club. The incident shocked many coaches and volunteers at the facility, who expressed their disbelief and embarrassment upon discovering the extent of Chadwick's invasive actions.

Authorities recovered nearly 40 video clips from a mobile phone seized during the investigation. The device was found to contain footage captured by a hidden camera, which Chadwick had covertly placed inside a rucksack. This rucksack was deliberately left in the disabled toilet of the sports club, a location frequented by athletes, including young children, who would use the facilities to change clothes.

Chadwick, aged 29, and identified as residing on Bretton Lane in Chester, admitted to the crime of placing his mobile phone in camera mode inside the toilet with the intent to record unsuspecting individuals. His actions were uncovered after staff members at the sports club grew suspicious of his behavior and reported their concerns to the authorities.

During a court hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court, Chadwick pleaded guilty to 13 charges of voyeurism. The court proceedings revealed the full extent of his misconduct, which involved covertly filming people in a private setting without their consent. The case drew significant attention due to the breach of privacy and the vulnerable nature of some of the victims involved.

Judge Huw Rees sentenced Chadwick to six months in prison but suspended the sentence for two years. The judge emphasized that this decision was not a lenient one but a strategic measure aimed at encouraging rehabilitation. He stated, “This is not a soft option. It will be hanging over you for a far longer period than a term of immediate custody and will allow work to address the root cause of your offending to be carried out.”

In addition to the suspended jail term, Chadwick is required to participate in 80 days of rehabilitation activities and attend 45 sessions of a sex offender treatment program. He is also mandated to complete 240 hours of unpaid community service. Furthermore, Chadwick will be registered as a sex offender for seven years and must adhere to the conditions set out in a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same duration, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further offenses.