A voyeur from a Cheshire village who tried to film a 15-year-old girl getting changed has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Ezra Clarke, 22, was previously found guilty at Chester Crown Court of voyeurism by hiding a mobile phone in a changing room with the intention of trying to take an indecent video of the girl.

Appearing back at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, May 9, Clarke – who lives off Pool Lane, Elton – was handed a 15-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Prosecuting, Gareth Bellis said the incident happened in April 2022 when the girl in the changing room noticed a black iPhone in the corner, partially hidden under clothing, and upon inspecting it, noticed it was set to record.

When later challenged about this, Clarke accepted the mobile phone belonged to him, but he was using the filming to monitor his bag, which judge Simon Berkson said was "nowhere near" the phone, and noted the defendant maintained that excuse now.

Clarke had no previous convictions.

Defending, Patrick Williamson said a pre-sentence report and three character references in respect of Clarke had been submitted, and the defendant had already taken steps to ensure there would be "no repetition" of his behaviour.

The judge noted Clarke had neurological problems, and had lost work as a result of the offending.

He said the jury convicted Clarke, "rightly, in my view", saying what he had done was serious.

As well as the suspended sentence, Clarke must carry out 30 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement, including a sex offender treatment programme, and 200 hours unpaid work.

He was handed a 10-year SHPO which restricts his mobile phone usage, and must sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.