A school caretaker described as 'trusted' has admitted secretly filming girls as they got changed at a comprehensive school in the Midlands.
Pupils' Alert Uncovers Sordid Crime
Joshua Snow, 28, was caught after three alert students noticed a mobile phone positioned above a door in a changing room. The device moved as they spotted it, prompting them to immediately raise the alarm with the head teacher.
A subsequent review of the school's CCTV footage confirmed Snow was the individual responsible for placing the phone. When police examined his own device, they discovered further images indicating he had filmed a different student under similar circumstances the previous year.
Court Hears Details of Betrayed Trust
Snow, of Bemrose Drive, Radcliffe-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to two counts of voyeurism at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. He held his head in his hands for almost the entire hearing.
His defence solicitor, Theo Addae, argued the case should remain at the magistrates' court, stating the images were on Snow's phone and had not been shared or sent to anyone else. However, District Judge Katy Rafter decided the sentencing powers of the lower court were insufficient and sent the case to Nottingham Crown Court.
Judge Rafter commended the courageous girls who reported the incident, stating their actions led directly to the head teacher checking CCTV which identified Snow. She outlined significant aggravating features, including the breach of trust as a school employee and the fact there were four victims in total.
Denial and Awaiting Sentence
The judge revealed she had read character references speaking highly of Snow, but also a pre-sentence report in which he claimed he was not sexually aroused by the images. Judge Rafter told him: "You are obviously in complete denial."
The offences took place while Snow was employed at The West Bridgford School on Loughborough Road. A spokesperson for the school and the East Midlands Education Trust which runs it confirmed Snow is no longer employed by either.
Joshua Snow is now scheduled to be sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on March 5, where he faces a potential custodial sentence for his crimes.
