WILLIAM MCGHEE FROM HASLINGDEN EXPOSED IN SHOCKING BATHROOM VOYEURISM CASE IN BURNLEY

In April 2022, a disturbing case of voyeurism involving William McGhee, a 54-year-old resident of Haslingden, came to light during proceedings at Burnley Crown Court. The incident centered around McGhee’s covert filming of a teenage girl in her bathroom, an act that has left a lasting impact on the victim and has raised serious concerns about privacy and safety.

According to court reports, McGhee devised a clandestine method to record the girl without her knowledge. He drilled a small hole in a picture frame that displayed a cheerful 'Have a nice day' message, which was placed in the bathroom. Behind this frame, he taped an iPhone, turning it into a hidden surveillance device. The court heard that McGhee’s intent was to observe the girl as she was taking a bath, an act that constitutes a grave violation of privacy and personal boundaries.

The young girl, who was unaware of the device’s presence, discovered it when she heard notification alerts causing the phone to vibrate. The sound alerted her to the fact that she was being watched. She promptly removed the phone and deleted the footage before McGhee could access or view it, an act that likely prevented further harm. The court described this as an extremely serious offence of voyeurism, emphasizing the gravity of the crime.

Prosecutor Daniel Calder detailed that prior to the incident, McGhee had sent the girl numerous inappropriate and sexualized messages. These included derogatory terms such as calling her a 'tart' and making comments about her body. Additionally, the girl found photographs of her chest that McGhee had taken without her consent, further demonstrating his predatory behavior. When confronted, McGhee initially claimed that he set up the device to identify who had been urinating on the bathroom floor, a claim the court described as 'ludicrous.'

Throughout the trial, McGhee maintained his innocence, forcing the girl to undergo a difficult process of cross-examination. However, faced with overwhelming evidence, he eventually admitted to the offence. The court heard that the victim suffered from depression and anxiety as a result of the incident, which also caused her difficulties at school. The emotional toll was evident, and her suffering was acknowledged by the court.

McGhee’s wife, who attended the trial and heard her husband's confessions, stood by him publicly. She also reportedly told several people that the girl was lying about the incident, which added further distress to the young victim.

In sentencing, Recorder Nicholas Clarke QC described McGhee as a sexual predator who targeted a vulnerable girl despite the significant age difference. The judge highlighted that McGhee’s initial inappropriate remarks and comments about her potential as a model demonstrated his predatory intent. The court noted that McGhee had planned and tested the setup, drilling a hole in the frame and ensuring the phone was positioned correctly to record.

The judge pointed out that the girl’s discovery of the device was a distressing moment, as she was in the bath and vulnerable. The vibrations from incoming calls or texts alerted her to the device’s presence, which she quickly identified and removed. Her victim impact statement revealed the profound effect the incident had on her childhood and happiness.

Given the seriousness of the offence, the court determined that a custodial sentence was necessary. However, considering the circumstances, McGhee was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities, pay £1,500 in compensation to the victim, and cover prosecution costs of £1,500 at a rate of £200 per month. Additionally, a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order were imposed to protect the victim from further contact or harassment.

This case underscores the importance of safeguarding personal privacy and highlights the severe consequences faced by those who breach it through such invasive and predatory acts.