Callander man spied on schoolgirl in changing rooms

Nov 20 2009 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

A MAN IS facing jail after being caught slithering around a changing room floor on his belly to spy on a schoolgirl dressing.

David Robinson (46) was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register after admitting that he peered under the dividing wall of a cubicle at the McLaren Leisure Centre in Callander to look at the 13-year-old girl.

On Tuesday, Stirling Sheriff Court heard Robinson put his stomach on the floor of a family changing cubicle, to peep at the girl.

Gillian Swannie, prosecuting, told the court that the incident happened at around 2.05pm on October 24.

The depute fiscal said: “The 13-year-old girl was at the centre to go swimming. She had finished swimming and then went to a cubicle, which was next to a family-sized cubicle.

“The accused was in the family-sized cubicle next door. He put his stomach on the cubicle floor and looked up into the cubicle next to him for some three or four seconds. She noticed him and went and contacted the centre manager.

“The manager spoke to the accused, and the police were called.”

Miss Swannie said that when police interviewed Robinson, he confessed and said he was “disappointed in himself”.

Robinson, of 14 Chestnut Close, Penrith, Cumbria pleaded guilty to breach of the peace.

Ken Dalling, defending, said that Robinson was “deeply ashamed of himself”.

Mr Dalling added: “My client recoiled with alarm almost immediately, after realising what he had done. He knows the consequences this action will have for him. He is deeply ashamed of himself.”

Sheriff Thomas McCartney deferred sentence until January for the preparation of a social background report, a risk assessment, and an assessment of Robinson’s ability to perform community service as a direct alternative to a jail sentence.

Sheriff McCartney said: “This is a very serious offence.”