WEMBLEY MAN ANTHONY MONIZ CAUGHT FILMING FEMALE COLLEAGUES IN SAINBURY'S LOCKER ROOM

In August 2020, a disturbing incident unfolded at a Sainsbury's store in North London, where a male employee was caught secretly filming his female colleagues during their changing routines. The perpetrator, Anthony Moniz, aged 39 and residing on Lonsdale Avenue in Wembley, was involved in a covert operation that shocked both staff and management alike.

According to court proceedings, Moniz concealed a small black camera within a shoe, which was strategically placed in a cubicle of the mixed-gender locker room. The camera was connected via a long cable to a device hidden in his possession, allowing him to upload footage discreetly onto his mobile phone. The incident came to light when a female worker, after completing her shift, noticed an unusual LED light emanating from a shoe in the adjacent cubicle.

Upon closer inspection, she discovered the small black camera attached to a long cable, which was partly hidden beneath a chair. Shocked and horrified, she yanked the device towards her, causing it to snag. Her reaction prompted her to bang on the neighboring cubicle door and demand the occupant to come out. The individual who emerged was identified as Moniz, who appeared visibly frightened.

The woman demanded to see his phone, which he was reluctant to hand over. She, along with her colleagues, threatened to involve the store manager and police if he refused. As she attempted to access the gallery on his device, Moniz claimed there was nothing of interest. However, he snatched the phone back and fled into the male toilets, leaving her distressed.

Police were called to the scene, and during their investigation, they discovered a video on Moniz’s phone depicting another topless female colleague. The footage was taken from above, capturing her as she was getting dressed, unaware of the recording. The victim described her shock upon realizing she had been filmed without consent, which has since caused her significant anxiety and led her to take two weeks off work.

The victim recounted the events in a statement read to Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court, explaining how she initially noticed the LED light and the camera attached to the shoe. She expressed her distress at the invasion of her privacy and the violation of her personal space. The incident has left her feeling anxious about using public changing facilities and restrooms.

During police interviews, Moniz chose to remain silent, offering no comment on the allegations. However, he later admitted to the act of voyeurism, acknowledging that he had installed the camera with the intent of sexual gratification. Prosecutor Louise Ahmad emphasized the premeditated nature of the offense, highlighting the camera’s discreet placement and the cable feed.

Moniz, who was present at the hearing, was granted unconditional bail and is scheduled for sentencing on September 10 at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court. The case underscores the serious breach of privacy and trust involved in such voyeuristic acts, which have profound emotional impacts on the victims involved.