RICHARD HALCK JAILED FOR VOYEURISM IN WINSFORD LIFESTYLE CENTRE

A man with a disturbing history of voyeuristic behavior, Richard Halck, who was previously residing in Winsford, has been sentenced to prison for secretly filming women inside changing room cubicles at the Winsford Lifestyle Centre. The incident that led to his arrest took place on August 22, 2023, when he was caught in the act of recording a woman using his mobile phone. The woman, upon realizing what was happening, remained composed and finished dressing before alerting staff members at the facility. She also requested assistance from a member of the public to prevent Halck from leaving the scene before law enforcement officials arrived.

Following the report, police detained Halck and seized his mobile device for forensic analysis. The investigation uncovered multiple other videos, all recorded without the consent of the women involved, spanning a period from July 7, 2022, to August 22, 2023. These recordings were made at various locations within Winsford, highlighting a pattern of invasive behavior. Although authorities managed to identify three victims, it is believed that many others remain anonymous, with their identities yet to be confirmed.

Halck admitted guilt to eight counts of voyeurism during a court hearing at Chester Magistrates Court on March 25. Due to the severity of the charges and the limitations of the magistrates’ sentencing powers, the case was transferred to Chester Crown Court for sentencing proceedings. On April 24, His Honour Judge Simon Berkson handed down a sentence of 55 weeks in prison. In addition to his incarceration, the judge ordered Halck to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years. He was also issued a sexual harm prevention order that will restrict his activities and contact with victims for the next decade. Furthermore, a restraining order was put in place to prevent Halck from making any contact with the victims involved in the case.

Detective Constable Sarah Ollier, who led the investigation, praised the bravery of the victims who came forward and shared their experiences. She emphasized the profound and lasting impact that Halck’s actions have had on those women. The officer reaffirmed the police force’s unwavering commitment to combating violence and exploitation against women and girls, making it clear that such behavior will be met with strict legal consequences. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts to protect individuals from invasive and criminal acts within communities like Winsford.