Catherine McSherry, a victim and step-sibling of a man recently convicted for voyeurism, expressed disappointment with the judiciary’s response to her case. Her step-brother, Christopher McSherry, was handed down a conviction on six counts of voyeurism and one count of unauthorised computer access by the court.
The 35-year-old, originating from Portadown, received his sentence at the Omagh Magistrates’ Court on the 19th of September. His punishment comprised of a 100-hour community service order, an 18-month probation, and a sex offences prevention order. Among the people victimised by McSherry was his estranged half-sister, Catherine McSherry.
Upon finding a tablet belonging to Catherine, Christopher not only violated her privacy but stored personal, intimate photographs of her for his personal use. Further investigation unveiled an assortment of pictures he had stealthily taken of various women inside their residences, captured in various stages of undress achieving a secondary degree of invasion of their personal lives.
The entirety of the case has raised myriad questions centred around the Public Prosecution Service (PPS)’s handling method.
The case’s first appearance before District Judge Bernie Kelly occurred in June 2023. The judge queried the prosecution’s line of reason behind deciding to prosecute the case within a magistrate’s court. To the judge’s surprise, the case had been reviewed by a male prosecutor. Judge Kelly suggested that a female prosecutor should reevaluate it, shedding light on the significant number of individuals involved and the duration of the case.
Catherine McSherry conveyed her disappointment regarding the minimization of the case as time elapsed, stating, “Over time it just got smaller and smaller. I believe the case deserved to be brought before the crown court. I consider the sentence inadequate, he should have had a custodial sentence.”
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) reiterated that the impact of such offences on victims is severe. They defended their decision, stating that the magistrate’s court was the appropriate venue and it had enough sentencing powers to reflect the nature and gravity of the offences.
Christopher McSherry, a wedding photographer by occupation, has also been ordered by the court to avoid ownership or operation of any camera-equipped device for the next five years.
The sentencing judge remarked that McSherry’s case was one of the most extreme voyeurism cases ever presented before the court, a statement from which Catherine derived a degree of consolation. Reflecting on these developments, Catherine revealed the deep scars left by this ordeal, explaining her present fear of cameras and questioning her own safety in the future: “How do I know it’s not going to happen again?” Despite concluding her pressing legal battle, Catherine acknowledges her journey towards healing has only just begun.
