Ken Goudie Jailed After Larne Leisure Centre Voyeurism Case

Ken Goudie pleaded guilty to voyeurism after recording a man in the changing rooms at Larne Leisure Centre. The victim restrained him as he tried to destroy his phone and escape. The case was heard at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court.

Ken Goudie pleaded guilty to voyeurism after an incident at Larne Leisure Centre. The victim restrained him as he tried to escape.

Larne Leisure Centre Voyeurism Case Heard in Court

The Larne Leisure Centre voyeurism case has concluded with a guilty plea at court following an incident in a changing room facility in Co Antrim.

Ken Goudie, of Carrickburn Road, Carrickfergus, pleaded guilty to one count of voyeurism at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court. The charge relates to an incident at Larne Leisure Centre in May 2024.

The court heard that Goudie admitted watching a man in the changing rooms for his own sexual gratification.

Victim Restrained Defendant as He Tried to Escape

Details of the Larne Leisure Centre voyeurism case reveal that the victim, a martial arts coach, noticed Goudie staring at him while he was showering and later changing near the lockers.

The victim became alarmed when he observed that Goudie’s mobile phone was positioned inside a gym bag with the camera pointing directly towards him.

When confronted, Goudie reportedly refused to unlock his phone or show whether images or videos had been taken.

The victim told the court that:

• Goudie began acting suspiciously
• He attempted to destroy his phone
• He tried to leave the premises

The martial arts coach restrained him and managed to seize the phone before running to the reception desk to alert staff and request police assistance.

Attempted Escape Through Fire Exit

Shortly after the initial confrontation, Goudie attempted to leave the leisure centre via a fire escape.

The victim pursued him outside and restrained him again until officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland arrived.

The Larne Leisure Centre voyeurism case highlights how quickly the situation escalated inside what is normally considered a safe community space.

Impact on the Victim

Following the incident, the victim said he experienced significant anxiety and distress.

He expressed ongoing concern that images or videos may exist online. Although police seized the phone, Goudie refused to provide the PIN.

As a result:

• Officers were unable to examine the device’s contents
• There is uncertainty about whether recordings were stored
• The phone remains in police possession

The victim said the case caused prolonged stress, particularly as the plea was changed on the final day before trial.

Voyeurism Law in Northern Ireland

Voyeurism is a criminal offence in Northern Ireland under sexual offences legislation. It typically involves observing or recording someone without consent for sexual gratification.

Convictions can result in:

• Custodial sentences
• Placement on the Sex Offenders Register
• Long-term reputational consequences

The Larne Leisure Centre voyeurism case reinforces the seriousness of recording or attempting to record individuals in private settings such as changing rooms.