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| Court on Camera: David Cloarec |
Dr David Cloarec, 34, a visiting PhD researcher, had disguised the camera with a vape and concealed it within a bag to secretly capture images in Kingston-upon-Thames town centre.
“I am ashamed of my behaviour,” he told Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, where he was convicted after a trial.
“I came to the UK in 2020 to complete my Phd and I have betrayed my professors with this behaviour, which was disgraceful.”
Dr Cloarec, of Union Street, Aldershot was found guilty of attempting to operate equipment beneath the clothing of another, without their consent on June 10, last year, Contrary to the Sexual Offences Act.
He was convicted of ‘operating a camera in a bag disguised as a vape beneath the clothing of another person, with the intention of enabling him to observe their buttocks, underwear and between their legs in circumstances where they would not otherwise be visible for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification.’
Dr Cloarec is a graduate of the University of Bordeaux, France, where he obtained degrees in Social and Human Sciences, plus Law and Economy Management.
He is also a Master of Science in Law and at the University of Surrey his academic and research departments were Surrey Hospitality and Tourism Management, Centre for Sustainability and Wellbeing in the Visitor Economy and Centre for Competitiveness of the Visitor Economy.
Since obtaining his PhD around the time of his arrest Dr Cloarec has set himself up as an ‘independent expert supporting destinations and businesses to achieve their projects’ and declares himself open to opportunities.
Prosecutor Jack Williams told the court: “This defendant concealed a camera in a bag as he walked around Kingston’s shopping area and spent some time following young women.
“He was using the camera to observe their bottoms as he walked around behind them.
“He was detected by members of the public and the police were called and there was an attempt to escape, but that was not successful.
“Images were recorded. There was a substantial amount of footage that was taken at the time.”
First-time offender Dr Cloarec reminded the court that police found no suspicious images on his phone or computer, which were also checked.
“I am sorry for what I have done. It was one-time event and it was out of curiosity that I did it.
“There was no continuous ‘upskirting’ but I understand why it violates females and I will not do it again.
“I had to pay legal fees and these significantly impacted my finances and there was emotional stress and impact on my well-being.
“Things have not worked well for me in England and I would like to move on and return to France.
“For now I will remain in the UK until this case is completed. I should be able to work in this country as I work remotely from my office.
“I know I have to be registered on the sexual offences.”
District Judge David Bolton sentenced Dr Cloarec to a twelve-month community order, which includes 120 hours community service work.
He must also complete twenty-five days of a rehabilitation activity requirement; pay £650 costs, plus a £114 victim surcharge and sign the sex offenders register.
“This is a serious offence and I cannot give you credit for pleading guilty as you were convicted after a trial,” the judge told him.
“I know you were of good character, but this was equipment disguised as something else to use as a camera and was a violation of other people, who were subjected to having their body parts filmed.
“The pre-sentence report says you are ashamed and remorseful for what happened.”
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