A war veteran from Iraq who is suspected of secretly recording unclothed hikers while they take a shower has been freed on bond.
William Gerardus Rush Huybregts allegedly used a couch-surfing website to offer free lodging to travellers and concealed a motion-activated camera inside a can of insect repellent in the bathroom of his Townsville home.
Police allegedly found more than 100 recordings of both male and female house guests’ genitalia and breasts during a search of his residence.
There are 124 counts of recordings that violate privacy against Mr. Huybregts.
Police prosecutor Eddie Fraser stated that the “sophistication of the offending cuts to the core of community safety, particularly privacy” in opposition to bail today in Brisbane.
“Not only of individuals of our own state, but international individuals who … unbeknownst to them, would have explicit recordings [taken of them].”
Mr. Huybregts was employed as a FIFO geologist at the time of the alleged offence, despite having previously enlisted in the American Army and being deployed on operations.
“This defendant has the adequate and sophisticated training, particularly to execute these types of offences, of which are multiple [and over] an extended period of years,” said Mr. Fraser.
According to the court, Mr. Huybregts attempted to board a flight to Singapore last week, which led to his arrest.
Travellers must have a ticket back to their home countries, according to Mr. Fraser, even though he had a return ticket to Australia. However, he said there was no evidence he intended to return.
The accused reportedly attempted to renew his US passport after spotting police at his Railway Estate residence, according to the court.
“I’m taking a chance with this submission. Especially in cases where it appears to be a cooperative performance by a skilled and knowledgeable tactician,” Mr. Fraser stated.
Mr Huybregts was granted bail with conditions and will appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court next week.
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