Jonathan Singer

A 50-year-old man from North Norfolk has been sentenced for a voyeurism offence after admitting to covertly photographing a sleeping woman in her own home. The incident, which left the victim feeling profoundly violated and unsafe, occurred in Aylsham, Norfolk, and came to light following a police investigation.

Jonathan Singer, residing on Paston Road in Bacton, Norfolk, visited the woman's home where she fell asleep. Without her knowledge or consent, he removed her clothing to expose her breasts and used his mobile phone to capture an intimate image. The photograph was later discovered on his device after police seized it during enquiries. Prosecutor Ellen Connelly outlined these details at Norwich Magistrates' Court, emphasising the secretive nature of the act.

In a poignant victim impact statement read aloud in court, the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, described the devastating effects on her life. Sitting behind a screen for privacy, she stated: 'I am in a high state of distress and constantly terrified that he will come looking for me.' She further explained suffering from frequent night terrors, with the offence impacting her career and social interactions. 'Because the offence occurred in my home, my sanctuary, the impact has been deeply personal and distressing,' she added, highlighting how it had eroded her sense of security in the place she should feel most safe.

Singer pleaded guilty to the charge of observing a person doing a private act, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Magistrates determined there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and imposed a 16-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months. As part of the sentence, he must complete 25 days of rehabilitation activity and 250 hours of unpaid work. The court rejected a proposed Sexual Harm Prevention Order, deeming it disproportionate and difficult to enforce, but issued a two-year restraining order prohibiting any contact with the victim.

Mitigating on Singer's behalf, Ralph Gillam informed the court that the image had not been shared with anyone else. He conveyed Singer's remorse, stating: 'He does regret what he did and fully accepts that it was wrong. He used the circumstances to effectively take advantage of the victim whilst she was sleeping to take this intimate picture and he understands the impact on her.' The case was heard at Norwich Magistrates' Court, with reporting by Simon Parkin for the Eastern Daily Press.