Matthew Healy

Matthew Healy, a 34-year-old man from Essex, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court for two counts of voyeurism after filming teenagers in private moments at their homes in Colchester.

The court heard that Healy had positioned his mobile phone at a window to record a naked teenager while she was showering. The victim spotted the phone and raised the alarm, as detailed by prosecutor Clarissa Rodio. On a separate occasion, Healy filmed another teenager as she sat on a toilet, violating her privacy in a similar invasive manner.

Victims provided impact statements read in court, with one describing Healy as 'vile' and the other stating he had violated her privacy and calling his behaviour 'disgusting'. Police examination of Healy's phone revealed searches related to sex addiction and therapy, indicating underlying issues.

Healy, of Haycocks Lane, West Mersea, admitted the offences. His defence, represented by Matthew Hockley, noted that Healy had no previous convictions and was addicted to pornography. He had been attending a sex addiction therapist and had abstained from viewing pornography since 2024. In a letter to the court, Healy acknowledged the seriousness of his actions and apologised to the victims.

Judge Nicola Talbot-Hadley, in sentencing, emphasised the profound impact of voyeurism on victims, stating they are left feeling 'violated, humiliated and degraded' from being spied upon. She imposed a ten-month prison sentence suspended for two years, a 20-day rehabilitation activity order, and 60 hours of unpaid work. Healy was also ordered to pay £500 in costs and a £140 victim surcharge. Additionally, a five-year restraining order was made banning contact with the victims, a five-year sexual harm prevention order was issued, and he was required to sign the sex offenders' register for ten years.