A shocking incident unfolded at the Wales National Pool when a woman spotted a “blue flash” over her changing room cubicle wall. What she initially thought was a towel turned out to be a phone with a blue case. Ruben Goswell, a 21-year-old university student, admitted to taking a photo after being confronted.
The victim, whose identity is protected, said the incident triggered difficult past memories and affected her mental health, making her more cautious around men. Goswell, who confessed at the scene, had his phone seized but not examined, leaving the number of photos taken unknown.
Initially sentenced to a suspended jail term, Goswell successfully appealed, with the sentence reduced to a 12-month community order and 150 hours of unpaid work. His barrister claimed he’s genuinely remorseful and noted his clean record and neurodiversity.
Judge Huw Rees remarked there was no sufficient evidence to support claims that the photos could be viewed by others, which influenced the sentence reduction. Goswell is also facing university disciplinary measures as a result of his actions.
The case highlights the importance of respecting people’s privacy and the serious consequences of breaching it. Let’s keep our spaces safe and support each other in standing up against such violations.