What Is the Difference Between Attempted Murder and GBH?
by Kelsey Reid | Sexual Offences

Voyeurism allegations in London are taken extremely seriously and are governed by Section 67A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, as amended. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must satisfy a number of strict legal tests.
The court must be persuaded that the accused intentionally operated equipment beneath another person’s clothing, enabling themselves or a third party to view that person’s genitals, buttocks or underwear, and that the individual targeted had a reasonable expectation of privacy. Importantly, the physical device or images do not need to be recovered for a charge to proceed.
The prosecution must also establish that the accused did not reasonably believe consent had been given and that the conduct was carried out either for sexual gratification or with the intention of humiliating, alarming or distressing the complainant. Each of these elements must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, and failure on any single point can undermine the case.
Voyeurism is classified as an either-way offence, meaning cases may be heard in the Magistrates’ Court or escalated to the Crown Court depending on seriousness and context. The most serious cases can attract a maximum sentence of up to two years’ imprisonment, while less serious matters may result in a fine or community-based penalty.
Where a voyeurism offence is linked to a recognised voyeuristic disorder, the court also has the power to order hospital treatment rather than a custodial sentence. Sentencing decisions will take into account intent, harm caused, planning, previous convictions and the presence of aggravating or mitigating factors.
A conviction for voyeurism can also result in notification requirements, commonly known as being placed on the Sex Offenders Register. This is likely where the offence is proven to be sexual in nature, or where:
The consequences of registration are significant and long-lasting, making early specialist legal advice critical.
Voyeurism allegations frequently overlap with other offences, depending on the circumstances and evidence involved. These may include:
Understanding how these offences interact is key to building an effective defence strategy.
Our London voyeurism solicitors regularly advise and defend individuals facing allegations arising from situations such as:
Alleged covert filming or photography in nightlife venues, including bars, clubs and late-night venues across areas such as Soho, Shoreditch and Clapham
Accusations involving public transport, including trains, tubes, buses or stations, where devices are said to have been used without consent
Incidents linked to shared residential buildings, hotels or short-term accommodation, particularly involving bathrooms or private spaces
Allegations arising from mobile phone use in public places, where footage is discovered during police searches
Reports triggered by third parties, CCTV review or digital evidence rather than direct complaints
London’s high population density, widespread CCTV coverage and routine use of smartphones mean voyeurism allegations often rely heavily on digital forensics, device analysis and witness interpretation rather than direct observation. Early specialist legal advice is therefore critical to ensure evidence is properly examined, context is understood, and your rights are fully protected from the outset.
Old Bailey Solicitors is recognised as a Band 1 Leading Firm by Chambers & Partners, the highest possible ranking, for criminal defence work across London and the South East. This independent recognition reflects our depth of expertise, strategic approach and consistent results in complex and sensitive cases.
When you instruct our voyeurism solicitors in London, you benefit from immediate, specialist support, including:
Our lawyers appear regularly before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Croydon Magistrates’ Court, Southwark Crown Court, and criminal courts throughout London. With decades of combined experience defending sexual and image-based offence allegations, we are well placed to handle the legal, reputational and personal impact these cases can bring.
If you are facing an allegation of voyeurism, our experienced criminal defence solicitors in London are available to support you whenever you need us. We understand how distressing and urgent these matters can be, and help is available day or night. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Old Bailey Solicitors
20 Old Bailey
London EC4M 7AN
Telephone: 0207 846 1645
Email: [email protected]
By train or underground
Our offices are conveniently located within walking distance of several major stations. We are approximately five minutes on foot from City Thameslink and St Paul’s Underground Station (Central line). Holborn Station (Central and Piccadilly lines) and Blackfriars Station (Circle and District lines) are both around a ten-minute walk away.
By bus
A number of bus services stop nearby, including routes 8, 25, 46, 521, N8, N25 and N242, making our offices easily accessible from across London.
By car
There are several public car parks close to our offices, including Baynard House Car Park and Queen Street Car Park.
We are committed to ensuring our services are accessible to all clients. If you have any specific accessibility requirements, please contact us in advance and we will be happy to discuss how we can accommodate your needs.
