Telford pensioner ordered to quit drinking after admitting voyeurism
William Shaw, aged 67, admitted two counts of voyeurism in May.
A Telford pensioner who secretly took images and videos of a “sexual nature” of a woman has been spared jail and told to stop drinking.
Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox with the Shropshire Star’s free newsletter
William Shaw, aged 67, of Stafford Road, Oakengates, admitted two counts of voyeurism in May after being charged with secretly recording images under a woman’s clothing.
Shrewsbury Crown Court heard on Friday (September 4) when Shaw appeared for sentencing that the offences took place in July last year.
Mr Danny Smith prosecuting said Shaw had secretly recorded videos of a woman that were of a “sexual nature”.
Defending Shaw, Mr Rob Edwards said the defendant was “drunk” when he committed the offence and he was a “functioning alcoholic” but had since stopped drinking.
Judge Deni Mathews said: “The dominant feature of your life has been the abuse of alcohol. It is apparent this is behaviour that you conducted when you were drunk. While that is an aggravated feature it is also an explanation.”
He added: “There are prospects for rehabilitation and you can be managed in the community and it will be a benefit to all if you can eliminate your demons with alcohol.”
He handed Shaw a six month prison term, suspended for 18 months, but ordered the pensioner to undertake 120 days alcohol abstinence monitoring. Shaw also has to undertake 15 rehabilitation days with the probation service.
Shaw was also given a sexual harm prevention order for seven years that orders he has to show police his electronic devices when requested and he also has to notify police if he ever moves.