In a recent case highlighting the growing concern over voyeuristic crimes, a visiting academic has been sentenced for using a hidden camera to record women without their consent in Kingston upon Thames, a town located 10 miles southwest of London. The incident, which occurred on June 10, 2023, has raised questions about personal privacy and the misuse of technology.
Dr. David Cloarec, a 34-year-old visiting PhD researcher from France, was found guilty of attempting to operate equipment beneath the clothing of others without their consent. The court heard that Cloarec concealed a camera within a bag, disguising it as a vape device, to secretly capture images of women in Kingston's shopping area.
The prosecution, led by Jack Williams, stated that the defendant spent time following young women, using the hidden camera to observe their intimate areas. Cloarec's actions were detected by members of the public, leading to his arrest despite an attempted escape.
This case highlights the increasing prevalence of voyeuristic crimes facilitated by the miniaturization of recording devices. The UK has taken steps to address such issues, with "upskirting" becoming a specific criminal offence in England and Wales in 2019. The Sexual Offences Act 2003, under which Cloarec was charged, has been instrumental in reforming sexual offences law in the country.
Cloarec, a graduate of the University of Bordeaux, one of France's oldest universities founded in 1441, had come to the UK in 2020 to complete his PhD at the University of Surrey. This incident has not only jeopardized his academic career but also raised concerns about the conduct of international researchers in British institutions.
During the court proceedings at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court, Cloarec expressed remorse for his actions:
"I am ashamed of my behaviour. I came to the UK in 2020 to complete my PhD and I have betrayed my professors with this behaviour, which was disgraceful."
The court took into account that Cloarec had no previous convictions and that no suspicious images were found on his personal devices. However, the gravity of the offence was not overlooked.
District Judge David Bolton sentenced Cloarec to a 12-month community order, including 120 hours of community service and 25 days of rehabilitation activity. This sentence reflects the UK's approach to community orders, introduced in 2005 as an alternative to short prison sentences. Additionally, Cloarec was ordered to pay £650 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge, a fee introduced in 2007 to support crime victims.
Importantly, Cloarec must now register as a sex offender, a requirement established in the UK in 1997. This registration will have significant implications for his future, both personally and professionally.
The case has brought attention to the challenges faced by international students and researchers in the UK, especially in light of recent changes due to Brexit. It also underscores the importance of maintaining ethical standards in academia and the severe consequences of misconduct.
As public awareness of voyeuristic crimes continues to grow, this case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and the importance of respecting personal boundaries in an increasingly digital world.