A CCTV operator killed himself days before Christmas after being accused of using cameras to zoom in on women, an inquest has heard.
Paul Cameron, 55, jumped to his death from Flamborough cliffs in Yorkshire because he felt he had been branded a voyeur by bosses at East Riding Council.
After being accused of improperly using CCTV cameras in January 2020, he came under arrest.
The father-of-one, from Bridlington, Yorkshire, was reported to East Riding Council’s Human Resources for zooming in unnecessarily on females – something he vehemently denied.
The inquest in Hull heard how Paul posted a final message on Facebook saying: ‘Time to say goodbye, they say you write your own story in this life. So, today is the end of my story.
Paul Cameron (pictured), 55, was a CCTV operator who had been accused of zooming in on women with cameras. An inquest heard that Cameron committed suicide days before Christmas.
“I would like to express my gratitude for all the people who have helped me and those that I’ve been a burden over the years. We are sorry to disappoint you all.
He had told loved ones that he felt the investigation was a ‘stitch up’ in a bid to get rid of him.
However, his partner of 27 years told the inquest Paul ‘felt a lot of pride in his work as a CCTV operator’, according to Hull Live.
Alan Frankish, his manager, said that police had requested footage from Paul’s camera in January 2020.
“Another member of staff viewed the footage, to verify it was clear. However, he found the cameras zooming in unnaturally on females.
Following a 9-month-long investigation, he received a final written warning.
Frankish said, “I told Paul that it wasn’t a witch hunt. I thought an investigation was necessary.”
“After being given a warning in writing, he didn’t express any concern to me. However, I had already stepped back and I wasn’t sure how it had gone.
The father-of-one, from Bridlington, Yorkshire, was reported to East Riding Council’s Human Resources for zooming in unnecessarily on females – something he vehemently denied Pictured: East Riding Council HQ
A coworker said, “He hadn’t had any issues at work before. He had never been in trouble.” I asked him about his investigation. He said that they believed he was avoyeur.
“He was on tenterhooks for many months.” He wasn’t normally happy and seemed frustrated.
Assistant coroner Ian Sprakes concluded Paul’s death was suicide.
East Riding Council offered their condolences following the inquest. “On behalf of East Riding Council, we would like this to continue to offer condolences for Paul’s family.
Paul was valued and a long-standing staff member. The coroner’s inquiry was supported by the council throughout.