Man Faces Court Over Alleged Hidden Camera in Hospital Bathroom
A 54-year-old man has appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court, accused of installing a hidden camera in a public bathroom at North Canberra Hospital and capturing intimate visual data, including footage of a 10-year-old girl.
Court Appearance Amid Health Concerns
Koroush Ghazi faced the court via telephone from hospital on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Due to poor reception within the medical facility, Ghazi, accompanied by a police officer, took the call from an ambulance triage bay. The defendant has not yet entered a plea to a single charge of capturing intimate visual data.
Defence lawyer Michael Kukulies-Smith informed the court that his client suffers from multiple medical conditions, including Parkinson's disease. Ghazi currently resides at a Civic motel with around-the-clock care provided through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, having no fixed address.
Discovery and Investigation Details
Police allege that on January 7, Ghazi entered a public bathroom within the North Canberra Hospital and placed a small camera beneath a sink. Hospital cleaning staff discovered the device two weeks later and immediately reported their finding to authorities.
Investigators identified Ghazi through CCTV footage from the hospital. On Wednesday, police executed a search warrant at his residence, seizing several electronic devices as part of their ongoing investigation.
Authorities have appealed to members of the public who used the emergency waiting room bathroom at North Canberra Hospital between 8:30 PM and midnight on Wednesday, January 7, to contact Crime Stoppers with reference number 8279987.
Bail Arguments and Conditions
During the bail hearing, defence counsel argued that while the allegations were concerning, there was no evidence suggesting Ghazi intended to use the captured material for nefarious purposes. Mr Kukulies-Smith further contended that his client would not receive adequate medical care if remanded in custody.
The prosecution opposed bail, citing concerns about Ghazi's mental health status. Despite these objections, Magistrate James Lawton granted bail with strict conditions, including a prohibition against possessing any covert video recording devices.
The 54-year-old defendant is scheduled to reappear in court at a later date as the investigation continues.
