By Heather McNeill and Ezra Holt
A Perth man is behind bars after allegedly watching and filming young girls trying on clothes in change rooms across several major shopping centres.
Mukhtar Aden, 33, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with three counts of obscene acts in public, two counts of indecent dealings with a child and one count of an indecent act in public and common assault.
The man is accused of filming girls in shopping centre change rooms.
It followed an investigation by the child abuse squad into incidents that occurred between March and August at department stores in Armadale, Booragoon, Cannington, Spearwood and Success.
During his first appearance in Fremantle Magistrates Court on Wednesday, the police prosecutor outlined an alleged incident at Kmart in Garden City, where two girls, aged 12 and 13, were trying on clothes.
It’s alleged the 12-year-old noticed a phone appear from underneath the door which she could see was filming her. The device was quickly retracted and when the girl existed the cubicle she saw the accused was masturbating.
He allegedly stopped when she stood up and left to alert a staff member.
In another incident, it’s alleged Aden filmed two girls, aged 10 and 11. When he was discovered by one of the victims, he is accused of striking her with force and throwing clothes at her.
Aden was allegedly identified on CCTV at each incident.
He was unable to be represented by a duty lawyer during his court appearance, with the Magistrate deciding to delay his application for bail until Friday, so he could get legal advice.
He will be remanded in custody until then.
A WA Police spokeswoman said the investigation was ongoing, and encouraged anyone with information to the incidents, or similar incidents, to contact Crime Stoppers.
“The man either exposed himself or committed obscene acts in front of members of the public, and on several occasions that was in front of teenage girls,” she said.
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