Surf school operator, SLSQ member won’t spend time behind bars after filming 14 minute child shower video

He filmed an unknowing teenage boy in the shower in a disgusting 14-minute video. But he won’t spend a second behind bars – even after he admitted what he did was wrong.

A surf school operator who filmed a teenage boy while he showered will not spend any time behind bars.

James “Jamo” Borthwick, who also worked with Surf Life Saving Queensland, made the 14-minute video without the teen’s knowledge.

Currumbin Surf Lifesaving member James Borthwick walking in to Southport court to face sentencing for making child exploitation material. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The video was only discovered when Border Force seized Borthwick’s phone when he returned from the United Kingdom in November last year.

He claims he has no idea why he made the recording in July last year.

The 47-year-old burst into tears moments after pleading guilty in the Southport District Court on Tuesday to one count of making child exploitation material.

When asked if he would like to comment, Borthwick began to cry and said “no”. He was given a box of tissues.

Borthwick operated the Walkin’ On Water Surf School at Coolangatta.

Picture: Glenn Hampson

The court was told that after Borthwick was charged he had his authorisation to work with children suspended and his ability to coach surfing both in Australia and internationally suspended.

His work with Surf Life Saving Queensland was also suspended.

The court was told Borthwick told a psychologist: “It disgusts me, I feel grubby and feel sick thinking about the damage you might have done to the complainant.”

Judge Jodie Wooldridge sentenced Borthwick to seven months’ prison, to be served as an intensive correction order.

That means Borthwick will serve his prison term in the community but must report regularly, perform community service and attend counselling and rehabilitation programs.

“I accept there have been consequences to you such as public shaming and financial impact to your business,” she said.

Crown prosecutor Jessica Guy said Borthwick put his phone in the shower and started recording before the boy entered and stopped it after the boy had left.

Ms Guy said Borthwick admitted to taking the video and identified the boy, but said he thought the boy was older.

The boy was unaware the video was taken.

In summing up a victim impact statement from the parents, Ms Guy said: “They expressed anxiousness about how it will affect their son accordingly … he felt betrayed and anxious about travelling to Coolangatta.”

Picture: Glenn Hampson

The boy has problems trusting adults one-on-one.

Defence barrister Chris Wilson, instructed by Jacobson Mahony, said Borthwick had “no idea” why he made the recording.

“There is no suggestion this man has any interest in children,” he said.

“He can’t explain why he did this because he has no interest in males, he is heterosexual in his sexual orientation.”

Mr Wilson said Borthwick did not share the video with anyone.

“There was no uploading … the child can have comfort that was never done,” he said.

Mr Wilson said Borthwick had experienced public shaming, his business had suffered and the bank had also closed Borthwick’s account.

Borthwick did not comment as he left court.