Voyeurism Solicitors Brighton

Voyeurism Solicitors Brighton – What the Prosecution Must Establish

Voyeurism allegations in Brighton and Hove are prosecuted under Section 67A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and are treated as serious sexual offences by Sussex Police and the courts. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove several specific elements beyond reasonable doubt.

The court must be satisfied that the accused deliberately operated equipment beneath another person’s clothing, enabling themselves or another person to view the individual’s genitals, buttocks or underwear, in circumstances where the person had a reasonable expectation of privacy. The prosecution does not need to recover the device or images in order to proceed.

It must also be shown that the accused intended to operate the equipment, did not reasonably believe consent had been given, and that the conduct was carried out either for sexual gratification or with the purpose of humiliating, alarming or distressing the complainant. Failure to prove any one of these elements can significantly weaken the case.

Sentencing for Voyeurism in Brighton Courts

Voyeurism is an either-way offence, meaning cases may be dealt with at Brighton Magistrates’ Court or committed to the Crown Court depending on seriousness. The most serious offences can attract a custodial sentence of up to two years, while lower-level cases may result in a fine or community-based sentence.

Where a voyeurism offence is linked to a recognised voyeuristic disorder, the court may impose a hospital order rather than a prison sentence. Sentencing decisions will reflect factors such as intent, planning, harm caused and any previous convictions.

Sex Offender Notification Requirements

A conviction may also lead to sex offender notification requirements, commonly referred to as the Sex Offenders Register. This is likely where the offence is deemed sexual in nature or where:

• The offender is under 18 and receives a custodial sentence of at least 12 months
• In all other cases, the victim is under 18 or the offender receives imprisonment, a hospital order or a community sentence of 12 months or more

Registration can have long-term consequences for employment, housing and personal relationships.

Offences Commonly Linked to Voyeurism Allegations

Depending on the evidence, voyeurism investigations in Brighton may also involve related charges such as:

• Possession of indecent images, particularly where minors are involved
• Blackmail, where threats are made to disclose images or footage
• Revenge pornography, involving the online sharing of private images
• Outraging public decency, still relevant in limited circumstances despite legislative changes

The Law has expanded in recent times:

Voyeurism law has developed rapidly in Brighton and Hove, particularly following the introduction of the Voyeurism Offences Act 2019, which created a specific offence of upskirting. This covers the taking of images beneath another person’s clothing without consent, regardless of gender or clothing type, and whether carried out for sexual gratification or to cause distress. The offence is triable either way. The law has also been expanded to criminalise the non-consensual recording or observation of breastfeeding, following amendments to existing legislation. While down-blousing is still under review by the Law Commission, related behaviour may already fall within current offences. Allegations of this nature should always be treated with urgency and specialist advice sought.

Common Voyeurism Allegations in Brighton

Our Brighton voyeurism solicitors regularly advise individuals facing allegations arising from a range of situations, including:

• Alleged covert filming or photography in bars, clubs and late-night venues across Brighton and Hove
• Accusations connected to public transport, including trains, buses and stations serving the city and surrounding areas
• Incidents involving shared accommodation, student housing, hotels or holiday lets, particularly in bathrooms or other private spaces
• Allegations linked to mobile phone use in public places, where images or footage are later identified during police searches
• Complaints raised by third parties, CCTV review or digital evidence, rather than direct reports by the alleged complainant

Brighton’s busy nightlife, large visitor population and widespread use of CCTV and mobile technology mean that voyeurism investigations often focus heavily on digital evidence and forensic analysis, rather than direct eyewitness accounts. Early specialist advice is essential to ensure evidence is properly reviewed, context is established, and your rights are protected from the outset.

How Our Brighton Voyeurism Solicitors Can Help

Old Bailey Solicitors is recognised as a Band 1 Leading Firm by Chambers & Partners for criminal defence across the South East. Our voyeurism solicitors in Brighton provide discreet, specialist representation tailored to the sensitivities of sexual offence allegations.

We offer:

• 24-hour police station attendance across Brighton, Hove and Sussex
• In-depth analysis of digital, CCTV and forensic evidence
• Careful evaluation of whether the legal threshold for voyeurism is truly met
• Strategic engagement with the CPS at an early stage
• Clear advice on sentencing exposure, registration risks and future impact

Our team regularly appears at Brighton Magistrates’ Court and across Sussex, bringing calm, experienced guidance at every stage.

Speak to Our Voyeurism Defence Solicitors in Brighton

If you are under investigation or facing an allegation of voyeurism, our experienced voyeurism defence solicitors in Brighton are here to help. We understand how sensitive and distressing these situations can be, and how important it is to obtain clear legal advice without delay. Our team offers discreet, expert support whenever you need it, including urgent police station representation.

Old Bailey Solicitors
Brighton Office
Telephone: 01273 044647
Email: [email protected]

Getting to Our Brighton Office

By train

Our Brighton office is conveniently located within easy reach of Brighton Station, which is served by frequent mainline services from London, Gatwick and across Sussex. From the station, the office can be reached on foot or via a short taxi or bus journey, depending on your starting point.

By bus

Brighton & Hove operates an extensive bus network, with multiple routes stopping close to our office. This makes travelling to us straightforward from Brighton city centre, Hove and surrounding areas.

By car

There are several public car parks within walking distance of our office, including nearby city-centre car parks. Pay-and-display parking is also available in surrounding streets, subject to local restrictions.

Accessibility at Our Office

We are committed to providing an accessible and welcoming service to all clients. If you have any specific access requirements, please contact us in advance and we will be happy to discuss how we can assist.