In 2018, the Offender Database recorded that 44-year-old Martin Socha was sentenced after being caught using a spy camera to film families in a leisure centre changing room. Socha—of Dozen Drive, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire—admitted to two counts of voyeurism after targeting a family, including a five-year-old boy, at the Water Meadows swimming complex. It was reported that the incident occurred in September 2017 within the unisex changing area, where victims noticed a recording device being held above their cubicle.
The investigation established that Socha was detained at the scene by staff and members of the public until the arrival of Nottinghamshire Police. Officers reported that a small spy camera device was discovered hidden in Socha’s sock; the device was still switched on and recording at the time of his arrest. The prosecution reported that forensic analysis of the equipment provided evidence that Socha had also been spying on another woman during the same period.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Socha’s actions constituted a complete violation of privacy for families and children using local facilities. Nottingham Crown Court heard from Detective Constable Ben Skellern, who stated that while Socha did not receive an immediate custodial sentence, the monitoring requirements would prevent him from repeating such behaviour. The investigation established that Socha’s guilty plea in April 2018 led to a six-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years.
Judge-led proceedings concluded with Socha being placed under strict long-term supervision to protect the Mansfield community. For his actions in Mansfield, he was handed a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for the same duration. The judge noted that voyeurism of any kind is treated with extreme seriousness by the courts, particularly when involving the surreptitious filming of children in changing areas.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in England, the status of Martin Socha as of April 3, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: SUSPENDED SENTENCE 2018 (Period expired).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active until 2025/2026.
- SHPO Status: 7-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order active until 2025.
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Voyeurism; 2 counts).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court; investigated by Nottinghamshire Police.
- Criminal Record: Surreptitious filming of a five-year-old boy; Spying on a woman in a leisure centre.
- Origin: Dozen Drive, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Socha was managed as a registered sex offender within the Mansfield area following his conviction. Due to the nature of his conduct, which involved the use of specialized “spy camera” technology to target families in public leisure facilities, his management was a priority for the Nottinghamshire Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that the use of a device hidden in a sock indicates a high level of premeditation and a specific predatory methodology.
As a registered sex offender, then 44-year-old Socha’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his 7-year SHPO includes stringent conditions regarding his possession of recording devices and his entry into changing rooms or leisure centres in Mansfield and the wider county. Any reports of suspicious behavior near swimming pools, any unauthorized possession of “spy” technology, or any breach of his notification requirements will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public.
QUESTION – Given that the offender was found with a “switched on” spy camera in a family changing area, do you believe that “Voyeurism” involving children should carry a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence rather than a suspended term?
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