Man who secretly filmed intimate encounter using smart glasses spared jail

David Williams, 47, sent a woman the explicit video he had filmed without the woman’s consent after they had a sexual encounter at The Park Royal Hotel in Stretton, Warrington, Cheshire

A man who covertly filmed himself having sex with a woman using his smart glasses – without telling her – has avoided a prison sentence.

David Williams, 47, captured the intimate romp with the woman at a hotel and later sent her the explicit videos. The court was told that Williams and the victim had initially connected on a dating app before arranging the consensual rendezvous.

However, the day after their meeting, Williams forwarded her two graphic videos and a photograph – all taken via his smart glasses – in response to her message thanking him for a “good time”. The woman reported to the police that she was oblivious to being recorded at The Park Royal Hotel in Stretton, Warrington, Cheshire, and had not given her consent.

Williams confessed he hadn’t informed her about the filming but assumed she’d “get some satisfaction” from viewing the video. He admitted to voyeurism – recording a private act – at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (6/1).

Williams was slapped with an £800 fine, ordered to pay a £320 surcharge and court costs of £85.

District Judge John McGarva described the case as presenting an “unusual set of circumstances”. He stated: “You had discussed in general terms the recording of activities you were going to carry out, but you didn’t have specific consent.

“There was a need here to be much more careful to make sure that you both had the same in mind – but you didn’t and your victim was upset by it. I accept there was no malice on your part or intent to hide it as you sent it when she messaged to say she had a good time with you.” The judge added: “A hard lesson has been learned.”

Steve Coupe, representing the defendant, said the pair had discussed filming the encounter in “general terms” – but acknowledged Williams ought to have explicitly requested permission.

Mr Coupe explained: “He sent the video in response to message from her saying we had a nice time.

“He believed that she may get some form of satisfaction seeing the video. He believed that she may have been okay with recording but accepts that consent must have been specifically sought.” The court heard Williams had no previous convictions and had expressed regret for his actions.

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