Retired Carpenter Used Phone Strapped to Shoe for Upskirting in Supermarkets
A pensioner who claimed to be 'sexually frustrated' has been convicted after filming up women's skirts by strapping a mobile phone to his shoe in public places. Anthony Wickham, 67, a retired carpenter from Bearsted, recorded victims in locations including a shopping centre, a clothing department, and a supermarket, with the device's camera facing upwards to capture intrusive footage.
Discovery and Arrest
The extent of Wickham's behavior came to light when a woman confronted him in the Langley Park branch of Aldi in June 2023. She noticed the phone attached to his right foot and challenged him, but he refused to hand it over and left the store. Police later issued a media appeal, leading to two former customers identifying him from CCTV images. His arrest in July 2023 revealed not only upskirting conduct but also three sexually explicit photographs of children aged seven to 14 and footage of an unknown woman using a toilet.
Evidence and Searches
Investigators found that Wickham had made numerous internet searches for pornography using terms such as 'upskirt in supermarket', 'public nudity', and 'no panties'. He also had multiple links to spy camera websites. Analysis of devices seized from his home uncovered 140 images of voyeuristic toilet footage and two videos, 10 and 20 minutes long, showing him attaching the phone to his foot and recording beneath women's clothing in stores. Although the child abuse images had been deleted, police determined they depicted partially naked youngsters in sexual acts.
Court Proceedings and Impact
Wickham admitted to recording images beneath clothing without consent, installing equipment to observe private acts for sexual gratification, and possessing indecent images of children. In court, a victim impact statement described how the incident left her feeling 'violated, exposed, and humiliated', causing ongoing anxiety during routine shopping trips. Prosecutor Dominic Connolly detailed how CCTV showed Wickham 'wandering around the store, making unusual movements with his right foot and placing it beneath women's skirts'.
Sentencing and Rehabilitation
Judge Gareth Branston told Wickham, a father of two now separated from his wife, that he should feel 'embarrassed and ashamed' for his 'disgusting and violating' crimes. Despite the 'significant planning and multiple targets' involved, the judge suspended a six-month jail term for 18 months due to a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. Wickham was ordered to participate in a probation service-accredited program for 26 days, complete up to 30 rehabilitation sessions, and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order and sex offender notification requirements for 10 years. He must also pay £150 in prosecution costs.
Defense lawyer Emin Kandola stated that Wickham was 'profoundly remorseful' and understood the impact on his victim. The case highlights the severe consequences of voyeurism and the importance of public awareness to prevent such violations.
