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Former soldier Jason Sutton secretly took pictures of scantily clad women

00:01, 16 July 2018

updated: 08:44, 16 July 2018

An army veteran spied on two women and took pictures of them scantily clad without consent, a court heard.

Jason Sutton, of St George’s Avenue, Sheerness, claimed “curiosity” led him to spy on the women through an open door during moments of intimacy.

Appearing at Maidstone Magistrates Court last week, the 47-year-old HGV driver was told his previous good character was all that could stop him from a potential prison sentence.

Jason Sutton, 47, was found guilty on three counts of voyeurism
Jason Sutton, 47, was found guilty on three counts of voyeurism

The court was shown 15 pictures of Sutton’s two victims, which varied from fully clothed to being in their underwear.

Andrew Gillet, defending, told the court the victims must have been aware of Sutton taking the pictures as they were taken from the same room.

Both victims denied giving consent or being aware they were being photographed.

Among the images discovered was a picture of a woman’s chest in a bra which Sutton had set as a contact photo. When asked why he used it, Sutton replied: “I don’t know”.

Women’s underwear was also discovered underneath Sutton’s pillow.

Giving evidence, his victim said she felt “sick” when she made the discovery.

The same victim was also unknowingly photographed in a t-shirt and underwear.

Sutton claimed he took the picture with her consent to use for a painting, she denied ever giving consent.

But when asked by prosecution counsel in court where the painting was, Sutton said he hadn’t started it yet.

Judge Paul Goldspring said: “I believe her, I don’t believe you.

“It doesn’t look like someone who is consenting, she’s looking at her phone.

“I’m entirely satisfied the photo was taken for looking at later for your sexual gratification.”

A number of the pictures shown were deemed not to breach privacy, however pictures taken of the victims in their underwear in their bedroom were.

Under police interview Sutton told officers he was “not right in the head” and told the court he suffered with depression and post traumatic stress disorder.

The judge has asked Sutton to produce medical evidence of his mental health issues.

Sutton was convicted of observing a person doing a private act and two counts of recording a private act and will be sentenced at Maidstone Magistrates Court on Friday, July 27.

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