A MAN who used a hidden camera to film people using toilets at a residential home for those with special needs is tonight (Monday, December 1) beginning a jail sentence for voyeurism.

Mahbubul Chowdhury’s crime was discovered when his computer was seized, following his arrest for separate offences of grooming a child, Durham Crown Court was told.

The court was told that a fellow worker, who was one of those filmed, was so traumatised after learning of the intrusion at the Tyneside home that she was unable to work for three months and still fears using public toilets.

The 36-year-old former support worker was convicted of two counts of grooming following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court. He admitted three charges of voyeurism.

Ian Brook, prosecuting said Chowdhury met a 15-year-old girl at wedding he was filming.

Soon after she “made friends” with him on Facebook he lied about his age and persistently suggested having sexual intercourse with her – which did not happen, the court heard.

Chowdhury took advantage of her infatuation and met her on two occasions.

The victim’s father, who discovered messages between the two, pretended to be his daughter and arranged to meet Chowdhury. The father and others beat up Chowdhury, the court was told.

Allan Armbrister, mitigating, said Chowdhury, of Normount Road, Newcastle, was sexually naive and had shown remorse.

Passing sentence, Judge Robert Adams said: “It is clear that in the case of this young female, under the age of 16, that you took what you wanted for your own needs, in spite of the obvious age gap between you.”

Chowdhury was sentenced to a total of six months for voyeurism, which will run concurrently with a two-year jail sentence for grooming.

He was furthermore made subject to a sexual offenders prevention order and placed on the register for 10 years.