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06
Apr
Harrogate man admits voyeurism charge
A Harrogate man has admitted voyeurism after recording a victim during sexual intercourse without consent.
Rowan Potter, 20, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday (April 2) where he spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
Potter, of Hill Top Avenue, pleaded guilty to one count of voyeurism, which dated back to June 25, 2023.
Alison Whiteley, prosecuting, told the court that the 20-year-old had met the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, on a night out.
She said the pair went back to Potter’s address, where they “engaged in sexual activity”.
Ms Whiteley said:
While they were engaged in sexual activity, Potter recorded the intercourse without her consent.
Ms Whiteley told the court that the incident was “an abuse of trust”.
Michelle Stewart, defending, said the offence was “a matter of some age” and dated back to when Potter was 17.
She said:
The court should have regard to the age of the defendant at the time and a sentence should be commensurate with what would have been his age at the time.
Ms Stewart added that the pair were not in a relationship and there were “no factors” which suggested there was an abuse of trust.
However, she added that Potter admitted that he committed the offence.
Ms Stewart said:
It was not a long term relationship, but he does accept that he inappropriately recorded part of the intercourse.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentencing report to be prepared. Potter will appear again before Harrogate Magistrates Court on June 5, 2026.
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