…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
A landlord who covertly filmed his female lodger in the bathroom and while she was sleeping has been sentenced to jail.
Oliver Fay, 45, had been subletting a room in his council flat to the woman for over three years, initially responding to an online .
However, unbeknownst to the lodger, Fay had been secretly recording her in intimate situations, placing his mobile phone in inconspicuous locations such as a small black vanity drawer and the edge of the bath.
Investigation and Arrest
Fay’s criminal activities came to light when the National Crime Agency (NCA) received information linking him to the online uploading of indecent images of children.
The police subsequently visited Fay’s residence in Bethnal Green, east London, and confiscated several electronic devices from his bedroom.
While in custody, these devices were examined, uncovering a total of 9,831 indecent images of children, including 1,200 categorized as the most severe.
Sentencing and Charges
Fay was arrested at his address on charges of voyeurism and possessing indecent images. In January, he pleaded guilty to the charges.
At his court appearance in Snaresbrook Crown Court, he was sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison for six counts of voyeurism committed between September 2019 and August of the following year.
Additionally, Fay received imprisonment for three counts of creating indecent images of children of categories A, B, and C.
He was also subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and required to sign the Sex Offender’s Register indefinitely.
The Judge’s Words and Officer’s Remarks
During the sentencing, Judge Caroline English condemned Fay’s actions, emphasizing the gravity of engaging with such explicit material and the harm it causes to the victims.
She stressed that anyone involved in the production, distribution, or consumption of such material is complicit in the abuse of children and should be thoroughly ashamed.
PC Lindsey England, the investigating officer, expressed admiration for the bravery of the lodger and extended support to anyone who suspects they may have been secretly recorded, encouraging them to contact the police.
Impact on the Lodger and Moving Forward
PC England acknowledged the profound violation of privacy suffered by the lodger over the course of three years and the devastating realization that her home was not the safe space she believed it to be.
While acknowledging the difficulty of the situation, PC England commended the lodger’s courage and expressed hope that she could now begin to find closure and move forward with her life.
Urging Vigilance and Reporting
PC England highlighted the disturbing nature of Fay’s actions, characterized by his predatory behavior and disregard for the distress and humiliation inflicted on his victim.
She urged anyone with concerns of being secretly recorded to reach out to the police, emphasizing that they would be provided with support during the process.