Terry Martin Bassett sentenced in Toowoomba court for watching teenage girl while she showered

A health and safety officer who works on a number of sites, including defence force and mine sites, had pleaded guilty to an ‘opportunist and creepy’ crime involving a teen girl.

Terry Martin Bassett leaving the Toowoomba Courthouse after being sentenced for watching a teenage girl showing. Picture: News Regional Media

A Toowoomba man who committed an “opportunistic and creepy” crime involving a young teenage girl two-and-a-half years ago has been sentenced in court.

Crown prosecutor Zachary Kaplan told Toowoomba District Court on Friday that Terry Martin Bassett was caught standing outside a bathroom window watching a naked teen while holding his phone up as if he was recording.

However, police never found evidence to suggest the 42-year-old filmed the girl.

Mr Kaplan said teen had been showering when she noticed a man standing outside watching her.

The court was told it was not a calculated crime, and Bassett had stumbled upon the situation.

Terry Martin Bassett leaving the Toowoomba Courthouse after being sentenced for watching a teenage girl showing. Picture: News Regional Media

A victim statement tendered to the court said the girl had been significantly affected by his actions and had difficulties readjusting and trusting others.

Judge Paul Smith said Bassett’s actions were very creepy and opportunistic, however, it was out of character and he had no similar offending on his criminal history.

The court was told the matter years to be finalised, due to negotiations between layers and the Crown, which ultimately resulted in two other charges being dropped and the cancellation of a trial.

A day before he was sentenced on Friday, March 10, Bassett pleaded guilty to one charge of observing a person and breaching their privacy.

The court was told Basset’s job would be affected if Judge Smith recorded a conviction, as the UGL Limited health and safety officer worked at government, defence force, energy, and mining sites, which sometimes required criminal checks.

He told the court he earnt $3000 a week after tax.

Mr Kaplan said he had no submission to make in regards to how much Bassett should be fined, and noted the matter could have been dealt with in a lower court.

Judge Smith fined the Toowoomba man $1000 and ordered him to pay the girl $500 in compensation.

If Bassett did not pay the fine within two months he would be ordered to spend one month behind bars.