STEWART STENHOUSE CAUGHT FILMING YOUNG GIRLS AT GREENOCK'S OAK MALL IN DISTURBING INCIDENT

A disturbing incident involving a man named Stewart Stenhouse took place at Greenock's Oak Mall, where he was caught secretly filming young girls without their knowledge or consent. The incident, which occurred on June 17 last year, has shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about privacy and safety in public spaces.

According to reports, Stenhouse, aged 44, was observed by a vigilant witness following a group of children within the shopping centre. The witness noticed Stenhouse closely trailing the young girls and discreetly recording them on his mobile phone. The witness's alarmed reaction prompted immediate action, and he alerted security personnel at the mall.

Security staff responded swiftly, and during the confrontation, Stenhouse attempted to flee the scene. However, he was soon detained by security and later handed over to police officers who arrived after reviewing CCTV footage from inside the shopping centre. The footage revealed that Stenhouse had been recording the girls from behind, focusing on their knees and waists, which the prosecution described as having a 'significant sexual element.'

Stenhouse was subsequently charged with breach of the peace and appeared before Greenock Sheriff Court. During the hearing, he pleaded guilty to the charges. The court was informed that the video footage captured by Stenhouse was 'extremely disturbing' and contained elements that suggested a sexual intent.

Prosecutor Pamela Brady emphasized the seriousness of the offence, stating, “The accused was walking behind the girls and was videoing them on his phone, following them for several metres with his phone at stomach level. The witness was extremely alarmed by what he saw and notified security staff. It was immediately apparent that the accused was recording the young girls for sexual gratification.”

In her remarks, lawyer Ellen Macdonald noted that Stenhouse appeared to have some insight into his offending and recognized the impact it could have had on the girls involved. Despite the gravity of the crime, the court decided against imposing a custodial sentence. Instead, a community payback order was issued as an alternative punishment.

Judge James Varney reviewed the evidence, including the footage, and described the crime as 'extremely disturbing.' He acknowledged the sexual element involved but opted for a community-based sentence, reflecting a balance between punishment and rehabilitation. Stenhouse was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register as part of his sentence.

This incident has sparked widespread concern among residents of Greenock, highlighting the importance of vigilance and security in public spaces to protect vulnerable individuals from such invasive and predatory behaviour.