A London Bloke Scores Four-Month Stint for Under-the-Clothes Shenanigans at The British Museum
A chap from London found the spotlight for his inappropriate actions, including a clandestine recording device. The scandal unfolded when he was caught recording compromising footage beneath a woman’s clothes at the iconic British Museum. The BBC broke the news, stating that a policeman, on a casual visit to the museum, happened upon the scandalous situation on August 19th. With the assistance of museum staff, they swiftly apprehended the offender.
Upon investigating his mobile device, the authorities discovered further clips taken that day, leading to possible witnesses coming forward. The offender admitted to the charges. Despite the ongoing efforts to discourage such lewd behavior, upskirting persists, especially at popular tourist destinations like The British Museum.
The Escalating Crackdown on Upskirting
In England and Wales, upskirting has been designated a criminal offense with the implementation of the Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019. As of 2023, the number of reported incidents has surpassed 1,150, with many victims being minors.
The sentence doled out near The British Museum underlines the severity of the offense. The new offenses, introduced by the Crime and Policing Bill 2025, encompass a wide range of sanctions, ranging from community service to jail time, depending on the gravity of the acts and aggravating factors such as planning, sharing of images, and the emotional impact on the victims.
Upskirting – The Lowdown
In addition to the previously mentioned acts, taking intimate photographs or videos without consent became a criminal offense under the Crime and Policing Bill 2025. The bill also includes new offenses for installing, modifying, or maintaining equipment with the intention of recording intimate images. Furthermore, victims may qualify for anonymity and special measures.
Sharing intimate images without consent is now considered an offense as well, with penalties varying based on the circumstances. The sentences for voyeuristic offenses, including upskirting, are determined by factors such as the degree of planning, the impact on the victim, and the sharing of images.
Sentencing categories include: - Category 1: Involves significant planning, image sharing, or severe emotional distress to the victim, with a potential sentence of up to 2 years’ imprisonment. - Category 2: Includes some degree of planning or recording without image sharing, with a possible sentence of up to 1 year in custody. - Category 3: Encompasses opportunistic offenses with minimal planning, punishable by a community order or fine.
