WILLIAM KELLETT SHAMES LEEDS PRIMARY SCHOOL WITH VOYEURISM INCIDENT IN MOORTOWN
In January 2023, a disturbing case of voyeurism emerged involving William Kellett, a 33-year-old primary school teacher from Leeds.The incident took place at Manor Wood Primary School, located in the Moortown area of Leeds, and has since garnered significant attention due to its invasive nature and the impact on the victim.
According to court reports, Kellett covertly placed his mobile phone inside a staff toilet at the school.
The device was cleverly concealed using blue tac and masking tape, allowing him to remotely monitor a female staff member who was using the cubicle.
The victim, unaware of the device’s presence, discovered the phone in the toilet bin, which was positioned in such a way that it could be accessed easily.
The Leeds Magistrates’ Court heard that Kellett’s Apple Watch was linked to the phone, enabling him to view the live feed remotely while the woman was in the restroom.
Initially, Kellett denied intentionally placing the phone in the toilet, claiming he had no knowledge of the device’s location.
However, in November of the previous year, he pleaded guilty to one count of voyeurism.
The court proceedings revealed the gravity of the situation and the emotional toll it had taken on the victim.
A victim impact statement was read aloud during the hearing, in which the female staff member described the profound psychological effects she experienced following the incident.
She disclosed suffering from anxiety and insomnia, which led her to be prescribed medication.
The victim expressed her feelings of isolation, stating, “This was so hard.
I felt so isolated and alone when it happened.
I had to go on pretending it was not happening.
Those emotions are still extremely raw for me.” She also shared her mistrust towards her colleagues, saying that the incident had tarnished her overall experience working at the school.
“I just wish it was all over so I could try as much as possible to put it out of my head,” she added.
The court was informed that the incident occurred on January 31, 2022.
After the victim discovered the phone, Kellett attempted to discourage her from reporting the matter to other staff members.
Police investigations confirmed that Kellett’s phone was connected to his Apple Watch, and the functionality that allows remote viewing was used at the time the victim was in the toilet.
As a result of his actions, magistrates sentenced Kellett to a two-year community order, which includes the requirement to complete 55 rehabilitation activities.
Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register, marking a significant legal consequence for his misconduct.
The case has left a lasting impact on the school community and highlights ongoing concerns about safeguarding and privacy within educational environments.
