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A man wearing a Royal Mail uniform who was seen taking photos up a schoolgirl’s skirt was handed a community order.
Benjamin Harrison, 39, was spotted by staff at the Co-op store in Poynton leaning over and putting his phone near the child.
After checking CCTV footage, they saw him take around four or five pictures, Stockport Magistrates’ Court heard.
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As he left the store, staff made a note of his registration plate and noted that he was ‘wearing a Royal Mail uniform’ before reporting him to the police.
It was not said in court that he works for the postal service.
Harrison, from Hazel Grove , earlier pleaded guilty to operating equipment beneath the clothing of another without consent, more commonly known as ‘upskirting’.
As of April 2019, the offence was created under the Voyeurism Act, with offenders facing up to two years in prison and being placed on the Sex Offender Register.
(Image: M.E.N Media)
Today (January 17) he was handed an 18 month community order.
Prosecutor Nicole Bridgman said the incident happened on May 14 last year when he visited the store.
“He was observed by the employees leaning over towards the teenage schoolgirl and placing his phone under her skirt and taking a photo,” she said.
“The CCTV was checked and he was seen to take four or five photos.
“Members of staff obtained his vehicle registration and noted he was wearing a Royal Mail uniform.
“He was identified and arrested at his place of work.”
During his police interview he made full admissions and said he had deleted the images.
His phone was seized and analysed, and later confirmed there were no images.
In a victim personal statement, the girl said that ‘although she was physically unharmed’ she found it ‘disgusting to think anyone would think about filming up someone’s skirt, let alone do it’.
“No one has the right or permission to film up my skirt,” she said.
Harrison was said to have no previous convictions.
Mitigating, Lorna Wincote said her client hadn’t disputed the allegation, and accepted what was alleged against him.
“He provided an explanation for his behaviour, which is detailed in the presentence report,” she said.
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“Mr Harrison does seem to have extreme victim empathy, he is extremely ashamed of his actions and how what he has done will, or could, affect the victim.”
She said that following the last hearing he was subjected to the Sex Offenders Register requirements, and as such had to move out of the family home which affected childcare arrangements.
She added that he has not smoked cannabis since the day of the incident.
Stockport JPs sentenced Harrison to an 18 month community order, 30 days of rehabilitation activity requirements and 100 hours of unpaid work.
Harrison, of Mill Farm, Wellington Road, must also pay £250 compensation to the victim, £85 court costs and £95 victim surcharge.
He must sign onto the Sex Offenders Register for the next five years.
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