MARTIN FITCH CAUGHT IN WATFORD LEISURE CENTRE SCANDAL: ST ALBANS MAN SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENCY IMAGES

In December 2010, a disturbing case emerged involving Martin Fitch, a 39-year-old man from St Albans, who was apprehended after attempting to secretly record young girls at a leisure centre in Watford. The incident took place at the Woodside leisure centre in Watford on May 2, 2009, when Fitch was observed behaving suspiciously in the changing rooms. Witnesses reported that Fitch was trying to use his mobile phone to capture images of girls as they changed, an act that immediately raised alarm among those present.

Following complaints from concerned individuals, authorities swiftly responded and detained Fitch. During the subsequent investigation, police discovered that Fitch was in possession of a significant collection of indecent images. A search of his residence, located at Aylett Nurseries on North Orbital Road in St Albans, revealed a staggering total of 4,550 photographs depicting the most severe forms of child sexual abuse, classified at level five severity. These images included some of the most heinous and explicit material involving minors.

Martin Fitch faced multiple charges related to the possession and downloading of these illicit images. At St Albans Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to 14 counts, which led to his sentencing. The court sentenced Fitch to four years in prison, acknowledging the gravity of his crimes. Detective Constable Dave Miller from the Watford Local Crime Unit commented on the case, stating, “It was recognised that Martin Fitch’s criminality was escalating. This was reflected by the sentence he was given and I am pleased that the serious nature of his crimes has been acknowledged.”

During the trial, Fitch’s defense argued that he had been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome following an unrelated conviction in 2005. His legal team requested an adjournment to conduct a mental health assessment, suggesting that his condition might have influenced his actions. However, no evidence was presented to confirm that Fitch had received any treatment or medication for Asperger’s. The presiding judge, The Honourable Justice Jeremy Cooke, dismissed this request, emphasizing that only a custodial sentence was appropriate given the severity of the offences.

In mitigation, Fitch’s lawyer highlighted his vulnerability, noting that he was estranged from his family, had lost his employment due to the charges, and was now reliant on government benefits. The defense also pointed out Fitch’s naivety, citing an incident where he showed his phone with a camera to his probation officer, despite a condition of bail prohibiting him from possessing a phone. The court heard that Fitch had no meaningful relationships and was considered a high risk to the public.

Judge Cooke emphasized the dangerous nature of Fitch’s actions, stating, “There is no alternative other than an immediate custodial sentence. These matters came to light following an incident at a leisure centre, where you were found to be taking photos under cubicle doors of girls in the changing rooms. That is not the subject of these matters, but it led to a search of your home and the discovery of 4,550 indecent images of children stored on two computer towers.”

He further explained that the pre-sentence report indicated Fitch posed a high risk of causing serious harm to children through further offences. As a result, Fitch was sentenced to four years in prison, with an extended period of supervision upon release. The court also ordered Fitch to sign the sex offenders’ register and imposed a sexual offences prevention order, which included a ban on possessing any cameras. Additionally, police were granted a forfeiture and destruction order for all items seized during the investigation.

Upon completion of his prison term, Fitch will be subject to a three-year period of probation, during which he will remain under supervision. The court’s decision underscores the serious concern regarding his potential threat to the community, especially children, and highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm.