MAN JAILED FOR FILMING MEN IN PRIVATE ACTS WITHOUT CONSENT

A voyeur with a disturbing obsession for filming and photographing men in private settings was caught with a collection of material depicting men showering and using toilets without their knowledge or consent. David James Sloane, age 44, was found with 277 images and video clips taken at various locations including gyms, shopping centers, and service stations in Gateshead. The images included footage of men showering at a gym, urinating in public, and other private acts that he recorded surreptitiously. This prohibited material was shared on online platforms, notably Telegram, where over 1,000 similar images were discovered after being distributed in chat rooms. Sloane admitted to five counts of voyeurism, explaining that he viewed 'spy videos' to satisfy his sexual urges. A victim expressed disgust, stating, "This man did not have permission to film me showering at all. I'm disgusted he thought he could do this. My anxiety has gone through the roof. I don't know if he is local as I keep seeing males with bald heads and think it's him." The court proceedings detailed that Sloane's actions constituted a serious breach of privacy and caused significant harm. The judge, Joanne Woodward, acknowledged the harm caused but noted there was a potential for rehabilitation. She suspended a 12-month prison sentence for two years, requiring Sloane to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activities and 250 hours of unpaid work. He was also placed under a five-year sexual harm prevention order, required to sign the sex offender register for the same period, and was ordered to pay court fines and costs.