A man branded a “sex pest” has been banned from forming new relationships without informing social workers, after secretly recording a neighbour in her bedroom.
Andrew Thomas, 49, was exposed after his 65-year-old victim discovered an iPhone hidden inside a vase of artificial flowers at her home near Pitlochry, Scotland. The device had been recording intimate footage of her over several months.
Thomas, who had struck up a friendship with the woman, had concealed the phone in her bedroom, where it captured more than 40 hours of footage showing her in various states of undress. The shocking discovery was made when the woman moved the flowers and noticed the camera lens.
Further investigation revealed dozens of intimate video files. Thomas later admitted to police that he had romantic feelings for the victim, according to the Daily Record.
At Perth Sheriff Court, Sheriff Alison McKay placed Thomas on the Sex Offenders Register for five years and sentenced him to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work.
Fiscal depute Rachel Hill told the court that Thomas and the woman had often socialised together over coffee, drinks, and dog walks.
On the day of the discovery, the victim’s daughter found 34 videos stored on the device, confirming the extent of the invasion.
Thomas’s solicitor, Linda Clark, said her client had become infatuated with the woman, wrongly believing their friendship might develop into something more. She admitted, however, that this was “no excuse” for his behaviour.
The sheriff described Thomas’s actions as a serious breach of trust and privacy, noting the betrayal was especially grave given their friendship.
Thomas was made subject to a 12-point conduct order, which includes restrictions on his phone and internet use, a ban on contacting his victim, and requirements to inform authorities before beginning any new relationship.
