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A MAN who secretly recorded himself engaging in sexual activity with a woman at a hotel using a pair of smart glasses has avoided imprisonment.
David Williams, 47, had met the woman on a dating app before arranging to meet for a consensual sexual encounter.
David Williams appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court after filming himself engaging in sexual activity with a womanCredit: Alamy
The 47-year-old did not inform the woman he met on a dating app that he was recording their encounterCredit: Getty
He subsequently sent her two explicit videos and a photo, despite her being unaware that he had recorded their intimate moments at The Park Royal Hotel in Stretton, Warrington.
Williams acknowledged that he had not informed the woman about the recording but had hoped she would derive some “satisfaction” from the footage.
He pleaded guilty to voyeurism at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and was fined £800, ordered to pay a £320 surcharge, and incurred court costs of £85, while avoiding jail time.
“You had discussed in general terms the recording of activities you were going to engage in, but you didn’t obtain specific consent,” District Judge John McGarva stated.
“There was a necessity to be much more cautious to ensure that both of you had the same understanding – but you didn’t, and your victim was distressed by it.
“I recognize that there was no malice on your part or intent to conceal it, as you sent it when she messaged to say she enjoyed her time with you.
“A significant lesson has been learned.”
Steve Coupe, Williams’ defense lawyer, mentioned that the two had talked about recording in “general terms” but conceded that Williams should have explicitly sought consent.
He added: “He sent the video in response to her message saying they had a pleasant time together.
“He thought that she might find some satisfaction in viewing the video.
“He believed that she may have been comfortable with the recording but acknowledges that consent must have been explicitly obtained.”
Clare McGlynn, a law professor and expert on violence against women, stated that the glasses present a significant risk to women.
“For women, these are not smart glasses; they represent a real threat to our daily lives,” she remarked.
“Most women do not view smart glasses as exciting new technology, but rather as another tool that can be used to violate our privacy and disrupt our everyday experiences.
“Women already live with the constant danger of being filmed without our consent, whether during private, sexual activities or in public spaces.
“This is already far too common, and smart glasses will only increase the chances for harassment and abuse.”
She expressed concern that the glasses could eventually be modified to allow users to create nude images of women and girls without their consent.
She concluded: “There is very little we can do about it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of David Williams' court case?
David Williams was fined £800, ordered to pay a £320 surcharge, and incurred court costs of £85, but he avoided jail time.
What did the judge say about the case?
District Judge John McGarva noted that while there was no malice or intent to hide the filming, Williams did not obtain specific consent, which led to the victim feeling upset.
What concerns did experts express regarding smart glasses?
Experts, including Clare McGlynn, expressed that smart glasses pose a serious threat to women's privacy, as they could facilitate unauthorized recordings and increase the risk of harassment and abuse.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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