A Wollongong city Council lifeguard who drilled peep holes through the wall of the Helensburgh swimming pool female change rooms was busted by one of his fellow employees, a court has heard.
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Wayne Kenneth Pullen was placed on a 12-month bond in Wollongong Local Court on Monday after pleading guilty to five charges of peep and pry.
Police documents tendered to the court said Pullen had been an employee with the council for 36 years – 26 were spent at Helensburgh Pool, 20 in the role of assistant pool superintendent.
Officers described him as holding a “position of trust” within the close-knit community.
The court heard on February 4 this year a fellow employee was inside the female change rooms when he noticed a series of small holes drilled into the wall.
In closer inspection, the employee discovered the holes had been drilled from inside an adjoining storeroom, used by pool staff for the storing of pool equipment.
The employee later told police he saw that multiple items and furniture had been stacked up against the south-western corner of the room, which, when climbed, were at the same height as the peep holes and allowed for clear viewing through into the women’s change room and shower.
The employee carried out a brief investigation, identifying Pullen as a person of interest.
He then passed the information onto his superiors. The council applied for and was granted court authorisation to put two covert cameras in the storeroom.
Pullen was detected entering the room of peering through the holes on five occasions, each time between 3.30 and 5.45pm, when children’s swimming classes were being held.
The council immediately fired Pullen and notified police, who charged Pullen in April.
As part of his 12-month good behaviour bond, Pullen will be required to submit to Community Corrections supervision.
