Architect Sentenced for Secretly Filming in Workplace Toilets

David Baines-Davies, 50, a married father of two, has been sentenced for installing a hidden camera in the toilets of his workplace, Hewitt & Carr in Cheadle.

Baines-Davies pleaded guilty to a charge of voyeurism after his boss discovered the camera while washing his hands. The camera, which had fallen to the floor, captured footage of Baines-Davies attaching it under the sink, but no other individuals were filmed.

Following the incident, which occurred in October 2020, Baines-Davies was dismissed from his position at Hewitt & Carr.

Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre handed Baines-Davies a community sentence, acknowledging the offense's serious nature and the impact it had on his colleagues.

Prosecutor Zaine Riaz stated that employees at Hewitt & Carr expressed "concern and disgust" upon the discovery of the camera.

Defense attorney Mark Holder argued that Baines-Davies had been "going through a breakdown" due to stress at the time of the incident, and struggled to explain his actions.

Holder emphasized that the camera was "unsophisticated" and only captured footage of Baines-Davies himself, and that the camera's positioning was not intended to record other individuals.

However, the court recognized the aggravating factor of a breach of trust, considering Baines-Davies's position as an employee. Despite having no prior convictions, the court ordered an 18-month community order with a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 100 hours of unpaid work, and the destruction of the camera.

Baines-Davies will also have to sign the sex offender register and pay £185 in costs and a £114 surcharge.