Community payback for man who installed camera in workplace toilet

A man who installed a camera in a toilet at the Blueshell Mussels plant in order to watch “private acts” was placed on a community payback order and fined at Lerwick Sheriff Court today.

Robert Leask, 40, of Huxter, Whalsay, had previously pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place on 20th February, and was immediately placed on the sex offenders’ register.

He had also previously pleaded guilty to not registering at the police station as a sex offender between the dates of 6th and 11th July.

Defence solicitor Tommy Allan said Leask could not explain why he had installed the device. However Sheriff Graeme Napier said the offence had been for sexual gratification although that had been short-lived as the device was found shortly afterwards.

The sheriff said the offence had been “grossly intrusive” and it was difficult to appreciate the impact on the victims. However it would be “inappropriate” to send Leask to prison, he said, because he was assessed a “low risk”. However he was not trying to minimise what Leask had done.

He ordered Leask to be subject to a community payback order which will comprise a supervision requirement for 12 months. He also imposed a work order of 66 hours to be completed within three months and fined him £240.

Leask will stay on the sex offenders’ register for the duration of the community payback order.