SIMON WASSELL SHOCKS TAVISTOCK WITH PERVERTED POOL SCANDAL AND HUNDREDS OF ILLEGAL IMAGES

In October 2017, a disturbing incident unfolded at the Meadowlands swimming pool in Tavistock, where Simon Wassell, aged 33, was caught attempting to secretly photograph young girls in the pool’s changing cubicles. Witnesses observed Wassell using his mobile phone in a suspicious manner, holding it above the cubicles and angling it downwards, clearly aiming to capture images of the children as they changed clothes.

Following reports from the victims, staff at the facility promptly intervened, allowing the two 13-year-old girls to change in a different cubicle while security personnel kept watch. The police were called, and Wassell was quickly identified and arrested at the scene. During the subsequent investigation, authorities discovered that Wassell’s mobile phones contained nearly 600 images of women, many of whom appeared to be unaware they were being photographed.

Among the images recovered were two deleted photographs of one of the young girls, taken from above and below while she was covered with a towel. Additionally, police found 14 images depicting adult women in various states of undress, some completely naked, seemingly captured in public without their knowledge. The most alarming discovery was a collection of 581 photographs showing parts of women’s bodies, some taken in public spaces, indicating a pattern of voyeuristic behavior.

Wassell faced multiple charges in court, including two counts of attempting to take indecent photographs of a child, to which he pleaded guilty. He also admitted to two counts of voyeurism—observing individuals in private acts for sexual gratification—and possession of extreme pornography depicting a woman engaging in or simulating sex with a dog. The court heard that Wassell’s actions caused significant distress to the victims and were characterized by the judge as “perverse.”

Representing Wassell, solicitor Jason Beal, suggested that the defendant might be suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome, which could explain his social difficulties. Despite this, the court emphasized the seriousness of his actions, with Judge Ian Lawrie stating that Wassell’s behavior demonstrated a disturbing lack of awareness of the pain caused to others. The judge noted that Wassell had managed to maintain employment in a factory despite his social challenges but needed professional help to confront his underlying issues.

As a result, Wassell was sentenced to a three-year community order, which includes participation in a sex offender treatment program and 15 sessions of intensive probation supervision. He was also ordered to pay £340 in prosecution costs and an £85 victim surcharge. Furthermore, Wassell is required to register as a sex offender for five years, underscoring the gravity of his offenses and the ongoing risk he poses to the community in Tavistock and beyond.