WARREN MURPHY OF NESTON SENTENCED FOR UPSKIRTING OFFENCES

Warren Murphy, a resident of Neston, has been sentenced after being involved repeatedly in upskirting and similar offences. He received a ten-month prison sentence, which was suspended for 18 months, giving him the opportunity for rehabilitation instead of serving immediate jail time. The court was told that the 30-year-old, of Liverpool Road, Neston, pleaded guilty to three counts of operating a camera beneath clothing without consent, with five additional related offences being ordered to lie on file. The incidents involved Murphy sneaking up behind a girl aged 12 and 13 and using his mobile phone to film beneath her clothing, including when she was in her school uniform. It was revealed that her complaints were not quickly referred to the police, and it was not until last summer that she reported the incidents. The victim described how these offences led to a loss of confidence and happiness, severely impacting her mental health and causing her to feel she had 'lost her childhood.' Prosecutor David Watson conveyed these details to the court. In Murphy's defence, lawyer Michael O’Brien said that Murphy has no prior convictions, acknowledged his actions were motivated by sexual gratification, and has expressed remorse. Murphy is employed as a warehouse and forklift driver and is supporting his young children. Judge Recorder Ben Douglas-Jones KC ordered Murphy to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, attend a 25-day rehabilitation program, and participate in a 'building choices' probation scheme. He was also ordered to register on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years, and a restraining order was issued against him. The judge commended the victim's bravery in coming forward despite the authorities’ initial slow response, and acknowledged the profound negative impact Murphy’s actions had on her life.