Photo: Contributed

We now know the name of the person fired by Summerhill Pyramid Winery after a hidden camera was discovered in an employee washroom at the winery back in August.

43-year-old, Ian Michael Leighton, of Kelowna is now facing 18 criminal charges, including possession of child pornography:

• 13 charges of Voyeurism contrary to Section 162(1) of the Criminal Code 
• 1 charge of Obstruction of Justice contrary to Section 139(2) of the Criminal Code 
• 3 charges of Making of Child Pornography contrary to Section 163.1 (2) of the Criminal Code
• 1 charge of Possession of Child Pornography contrary to Section 163.1 (4) of the Criminal Code

"The investigation was led by the Kelowna RCMP General Investigation Section," says Const. Solana Paré. "The investigators continue to support the victims involved, and will aid in supporting the prosecution as the investigation now transitions to the judicial process."

Leighton was arrested on August 23, 2019, after RCMP received a report of alleged voyeurism at Summerhill Pyramid Winery after a small hidden camera was discovered in the staff washroom.

RCMP traced the hidden camera to Leighton who was employed by the winery at the time.

Court records show all 18 charges are alleged to have occurred on Aug. 23, 2019. Leighton has no other criminal record in B.C.  

Summerhill's owner, Ezra Cipes told Castanet at the time: "the staff member involved is no longer a staff member."

Cipes also indicated the entire winery has since been swept to ensure there are no other cameras on the premises.

"This happened to us, not by us," he said at the time.