Nottingham School Caretaker Filmed Teenage Girls in Changing Room

A Nottingham school caretaker filmed teenage girls getting changed after PE lessons.

Joshua Snow, 28, of Bemrose Drive, Radcliffe-on-Trent, admitted two offences of voyeurism when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 8th January 2025.

Voyeurism is an offence under section 67 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. It has a maximum sentence of 12 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction; 2 years' custody on conviction on indictment.

The court heard that Snow was previously employed as the caretaker of The West Bridgford School, Loughborough Road, Nottingham, where the offences took place.

Observant students noticed that a mobile phone had been positioned in the changing room in such a way as to record girls changing. They reported their concerns to the headteacher, who reviewed CCTV footage showing Snow plant the device.

The police were notified and the 28-year-old was arrested. Subsequent analysis of the device revealed images obtained on a previous occasion.

Theo Addae, mitigating, told the court: "The images were on his mobile phone and he had not shown them to anyone else or sent them to anyone else."

Having considered the circumstances District Judge Katy Rafter, presiding, was of the view that Snow's likely sentence will exceed the powers available to the Magistrates' Court.

She sent the case to Nottingham Crown Court, where Snow will be sentenced on Thursday, 5th February 2025.

Addressing Snow, DJ Rafter said: "There are significant aggravating features in this case, the first being that this took place in a school where you were a trusted member of staff.

"There are four victims and all of them were recorded by you.

"I have read a number of character references which all speak highly of you.

"I have also read the pre-sentence report in which you claim that you were not sexually aroused by the images.

"You are obviously in complete denial."

The judge praised the bravery of the girls who came forward to report their concerns.

Thief Swiped £1,250 Coat from Chelmsford Shop

A shop thief swiped a £1,250 coat from a Chelmsford shop.

Scott Norris, 39, of Whitehawk Road, Brighton, admitted one offence of shop theft when he appeared recently at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.

Theft is an either way offence contrary to section 1 of the Theft Act 1968. The maximum sentence for theft is 7 years in custody. We have previously written an article on the legalities surrounding theft.

The court heard that Norris, who is prone to a spot of thievery, took the expensive Canada Goose coat from Flannels store in the High Chelmer shopping centre.

Rebecca Debenham, prosecuting, said: "He was seen outside Flannels, looking around, and then five minutes later he returned to the shop, browsing for a short time.

"He took various coats, looked at them, put them back, and then picked up the Canada Goose coat and walked out of the shop."

The coat was never recovered.

Despite being unrepresented, the 39-year-old thief ticked all the boxes on the mitigation bingo card.

Addressing Deputy District Judge Sarah Hannah, he said: "I was with my friend, we started the night drinking, etcetera, in Chelmsford - I was drinking in Wetherspoons with him.

"I've walked past, went in there... it was just an impulsive thing.

"It was just bad times at the time - I didn't have any work.

"I think I am just in the process of getting diagnosed with ADHD next week. I don't think things through properly.

"I've been liaising with probation, doing these courses, getting back to the work, getting into the gym.

"I'm sorry."

Norris, who works as a scaffolder, was ordered to pay £1,250 in compensation and £110 in costs.

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Transgender Norfolk Woman Accused of Firebomb Blackmail Plot

A transgender Norfolk woman stands accused of a firebomb blackmail plot.

Ella Potter, otherwise known as Marcus David Potter, 28, of Westfield Gardens, Wymondham, entered no plea in relation to the allegation during a recent appearance at Norwich Magistrates' Court.

Blackmail is an offence under section 21 of the Theft Act 1968. It has a maximum sentence of 14 years' custody on conviction on indictment.

Magistrates heard that Potter is accused of demanding money from a local law firm.

Potter is alleged to have threatened to burn down the premises of Norton Peskett Solicitors unless it paid him the sum of £100,000.

Given the nature of the allegations, Potter appeared unrepresented. He was advised by the court that it might be easier for him to seek legal representation from outside of Norfolk. Similarly he was warned that his case would probably be dealt with elsewhere.

Potter was granted unconditional bail until his next hearing at Norwich Crown Court on Tuesday, 3rd February 2025.

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Ministry of Justice Launches Latest Magistrate Recruitment Drive

The Ministry of Justice is seeking to recruit an additional two thousand Magistrates over the next financial year.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice, Rt. Hon. David Lammy MP, said: "They are everyday heroes, and we need more people of every age and background to volunteer not just to deliver justice but to serve and represent their local communities."

Controversial reforms planned by the Government will see the sentencing powers of the Magistrates' Court increased from 12 to 18 months, with the lower court, which already disposes of more than nine-in-ten criminal cases, taking an even greater share of the workload.

Under the plans, the right to a jury trial would be removed from those Crown Court cases with a likely sentence under three years in custody. Crown Court cases falling below that cut-off would be dealt with by a single judge.

Mr Lammy added: "Magistrates play a vital role in our court system, hearing thousands of cases across every jurisdiction and delivering justice.

"Volunteering to become a Magistrate can make a real difference to your life and the lives of others."

As the Magistracy is meant to reflect the community it serves, the Government is particularly keen to bolster numbers from under-represented groups, including young adults and those from minority ethnic backgrounds.

That said, the Magistracy can only ever be as diverse as those applying for the role.

As things currently stand, the overwhelming majority who apply - and certainly the overwhelming majority who are retained - have time on their hands and the ability to absorb the costs of the role. This does skew the demographic of the Bench towards older types, who have flexible diaries and are financially comfortable.

For an idea of some of the challenges at the coalface of the Magistracy, please refer to this earlier article.

It's all well and good recruiting an extra two thousand Magistrates, but efforts need to be taken to retain them for the long term.

Anyone interested in applying to become a Magistrate is invited to read my article on the subject.

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