THE founder of a Bridgwater majorettes group set up hidden cameras to film a teenage girl and her mother in the shower, a court has heard.

John Boobyer, 60, who set up the Chameleon Batonettes in 1990, appeared at Taunton Crown Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to a single charge of voyeurism – relating to a hidden camera set up in the bathroom of a woman he knew.

At an earlier hearing, Boobyer also admitted setting up a hidden camera in his own bathroom, at his home in Orchard Way, Woolavington, which recorded images of the woman’s daughter in the shower between January and April last year.

Boobyer pleaded guilty to four counts of making indecent images at that hearing and is due to be sentenced for those charges and the voyeurism charge on July 30.

Speaking to the Mercury after Wednesday’s hearing, the mother, who cannot be identified, said Boobyer had visited her home after offering to fit a light in her bathroom but had instead fitted the hidden camera.

She said: “I discovered the camera by chance when I went for a shower and I called the police. It’s disgusting and we couldn’t believe what he had done.

“My daughter is ok and is dealing with it but she has her up and down days, as do I. It’s frustrating but I’m glad something is being done.”

Speaking to the Mercury yesterday (Monday), Boobyer said he had been involved with the Chameleon Batonettes for many years as its treasurer but had stepped down when the allegations surfaced.

In relation to the indecent images charges, Boobyer said his setting up of the camera which recorded images of the teenage girl had been a “stupid, spur
of the moment thing”.

The Mercury was unable to contact anybody from the Chameleon Batonettes yesterday, but Boobyer said the group would continue to run as normal and that his daughter, Rachel, would remain as choreographer.

He said: “The Chameleon Batonettes are holding a committee meeting later in the week and will release a statement.

“My family members are still running the group, we have had regular meetings with the parents and they have seen all statements and know the truth.”