Former Calderdale councillor Robert Holden jailed for voyeurism

Impact statements from some of his victims were read to court, with one woman saying his actions left her feeling “violated, exposed and vulnerable.”

Others spoke of how they were “overwhelmed” by their emotions, with some left feeling anxious and paranoid that they were constantly being watched.

One woman said Holden’s behaviour left her feeling “stupid, empty, worthless and ashamed”.

The court heard the alarm had been raised when one of the women suspected Holden had been tracking her on her mobile phone, and later found a camera hidden in the bathroom.

She contacted West Yorkshire Police and officers searched the house. Another camera was found in the bathroom and also in a bedroom – both connected to a digital recording device which was set to record 24 hours a day.

Holden, who owned a computer repair business, was also charged with computer misuse offences after downloading images from people who had trusted him with their devices.

He was arrested in November 2020 and charged in March 2022 – but failed to arrive for his hearing at Bradford Magistrates’ Court a month later, having fled to Cape Verde.

Holden was at large for 17 months, until a lengthy extradition process involving the National Crime Agency led to him being brought back to the UK and appearing before the courts in September 2023, when he was remanded into custody.