Mark Jones of Denison Barracks in Hermitage denies photographing young girl getting changed at Northcroft Leisure Centre in Newbury

A MAN has been accused of secretly photographing a young girl in a changing cubicle at Northcroft Leisure Centre in Newbury.

Mark Jones is also charged with possessing more than 70 indecent images of children.

On Wednesday, February 12, the slightly-built, bearded 38-year-old, of the Royal School of Military Survey stationed at Denison Barracks in Hermitage, appeared in the dock for a preliminary hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court.

He was accompanied to court by a superior officer, Matthew Shearer.

Mr Jones, smartly dressed in a white shirt, dark suit and tie, is accused of attempting to observe a person doing a private act, knowing that the person did not consent to being observed, for his own sexual gratification.

He is further charged with an offence of voyeurism; specifically by operating a mobile phone on at least 10 occasions to observe a person doing a private act, knowing that they did not consent to his doing so, for his own sexual gratification.

Mr Jones is also accused of taking 45 indecent still images of a children in Category C and one indecent video of a child in Category C.

Next, he is charged with having 26 indecent still images of children in Category C.

Finally, Mr Jones is accused of possessing two indecent still images of children in Category B.

All of the above offences were said to have been committed in Newbury on various dates between January 2021 and June 2023.

Mr Jones, who was legally represented by Michael Phillips, spoke only to confirm his details and to plead not guilty to every charge.

The court clerk explained that the charges were triable ‘either way’ – that is, they could be tried in a magistrates’ court or heard by a judge and jury sitting at a crown court.

Lisa Mutch, prosecuting, told the court: “This is too serious for this court, in my submission, and should be sent to the crown court.”

Mr Phillips said: “We agree.”

Magistrates declined further jurisdiction and sent all the above matters to be heard by a judge and jury sitting at Reading Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

Mr Jones was meanwhile released on bail with conditions.