A 43-year-old man is facing serious charges of voyeurism and public decency offence’s, which has led to his remand in custody.
The allegations stem from an incident at the Junction One Outlet in Antrim, where Adrian McPeake of Moyagoney Road, Portglenone, is accused of using recording equipment to film young girls in a sexual manner.
District Judge Peter King presided over the proceedings at Coleraine Magistrates’ court today (29 June), were the specific charges we read against McPeake, which include operating equipment beneath someone else’s clothing without consent, as well as filming minors for sexual gratification. “Mr McPeake, you are charged with operating equipment beneath the clothing of another person… either for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification or for humiliating, alarming, or distressing the person,” the court clerk put the allegation to McPeake.
The prosecution outlined the disturbing circumstances that led to McPeake’s arrest.
A PSNI officer told the court she understood the facts and circumstances of the case and could connect the defendant to the case.
Her evidence to the court revealed that McPeake was reported by staff at B&M Bargains after allegedly committing an act of “upskirting.” Upon being detained within Lidl, police discovered videos on his mobile phone, showing young girls aged 8 to 10 in compromising positions. “The videos focused on young girls, zooming in on the lower half of their bodies,” the officer reported, detailing how one video even captured two girls being followed around a store.
Further investigations revealed alarming findings in McPeake’s vehicle, where police discovered approximately 100 pairs of girls’ pants, with some believed to be used. This evidence raised further questions about McPeake’s actions, prompting Judge King to inquire about the underwear found in the car. “Any explanation for the underwear in the car?” he asked, highlighting the troubling implications of the discovery.
Defending his client, barrister Thomas McKeever argued for bail, noting McPeake’s limited criminal history and claiming he was unaware of the implications of possessing a phone with a camera, given his ongoing police bail from previous offenses. “His instructions indicate no mental health issues,” McKeever asserted, attempting to portray McPeake as a man who could be managed in the community.
However, the court was quick to dismiss this argument. Judge King expressed significant concerns about McPeake’s suitability for bail, particularly given the nature of the current and previous charges. “You are on police bail for similar offences… this alleged new offending took place while you were on bail,” he pointed out, indicating that McPeak posed a risk to the community.
Judge King ruled against granting bail, stating, “I am not satisfied that you are someone who can be managed in a protective manner in the community.”
McPeake was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear again via video link on 21 July, at Ballymena Magistrates’ court.
