Pervert who set up hidden camera in Sydney train station toilet walks free from court
A cleaner who admitted filming dozens of victims using a Sydney train station toilet has avoided an immediate jail term after he told police he was “relieved” to be caught.
A Sydney magistrate said Michael Szafranek’s admission showed he has a good chance of rehabilitation, and sentenced the father-of-two to a nine-month suspended jail term.
Outside court Mr Szafranek was in no mood to talk or apologise to his victims, running from the bushes to avoid the 7 News camera.
The 53-year-old left it up to his lawyer to comment, stating he wanted to “let this matter pass”.
Szafranek admitted to setting up an iPhone camera in the disabled toilet at the Rockdale Train Station.
He was only caught when a female commuter asked him for directions to the toilet and spotted the hidden camera recording her using the bathroom in February.
On Monday, the court heard Szafranek tell police he was “relieved” to have been discovered.
“The fact that he told police he was glad he got caught demonstrates his chances of rehabilitation as good,” Magistrate Bernard Kennedy said.
It comes despite Sydney trains previously accusing the 53-year-old of using his mobile phone inappropriately in 2014 – a claim Szafranek denied at the time.
He was later found guilty of being in possession of stolen phones, but Sydney trains allowed him to return to work.
On Monday Sydney trains released a statement confirming Szafranek’s employment was “under review” following the court outcome.
