BICESTER MAN AVOIDS JAIL FOR SPY CAMERA AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
During a court hearing, a judge condemned Nicholas Thomas for his conduct after he installed a hidden camera in a woman’s bedroom and later committed sexual offences against her.Thomas, who lives on Fritwell Road in Somerton near Bicester, was caught secretly mounting the camera, which recorded the woman while she was unaware and intoxicated.
The footage showed him touching her legs, sniffing her underwear, and masturbating with a shoe.
A police search of his home uncovered the device and indecent images of children aged nine and above.
He was sentenced to a year in prison, suspended for two years, with Judge Michael Gledhill stating that his actions were nearly unforgivable and that he was entirely accountable for the trauma caused to the woman.
Prosecutor Sophie Stannard outlined that the victim noticed a red light in her room at about 2am, which led to her discovering the hidden camera connected to an extension lead.
She promptly reported it to the authorities, leading to Thomas’s arrest.
The police search unearthed not only the camera but also various indecent images classified as Category A, B, and C.
Investigations revealed internet searches related to spy cameras.
Footage analysis confirmed Thomas setting up the device, engaging in indecent acts such as sniffing underwear and masturbating with a shoe, and moving the woman’s leg while she was drunk, claiming he was checking for injuries.
He faced multiple charges, including voyeurism, sexual assault, and possession of illegal images.
In her statement, the woman described suffering from insomnia, night terrors, and anxiety, feeling distressed and demoralized, yet expressing relief at having discovered and stopped Thomas’s actions.
Despite her efforts to move forward, she emphasized that she would never forget the ordeal.
