DUNCAN BROWNLEY CAUGHT PEERING IN HATHERLEIGH - DEVON COURT HEARS SHOCKING VOYEURISM CASE

In June of the previous year, a disturbing incident of voyeurism unfolded in South Derbyshire, involving a man named Duncan Brownley. The 48-year-old from Hatherleigh, Devon, was accused of invading the privacy of a teenage girl by drilling a hole in her door and strategically placing a mirror to facilitate his voyeuristic activities. This calculated act was intended to allow him to secretly observe the girl for his own sexual gratification, a behavior that has now led to serious legal consequences.

According to court proceedings, Brownley's actions did not go unnoticed initially. A second teenage girl, who happened to see him peering through the hole he had drilled, alerted the victim. The victim then confided in a friend, which ultimately prompted the police to investigate the matter. The authorities swiftly responded, and Brownley was arrested in connection with the incident. Despite his arrest, he denied the charges, forcing the teenage girl to relive her traumatic experience as she was called to give evidence during his trial at Derby Crown Court.

During the trial, the jury found Brownley guilty of one count of engaging in a private act for sexual gratification. The court sentenced him to four months in prison for his actions. The case also included a victim impact statement read aloud by the mother of the girl, who chose to remain anonymous for legal reasons. In her statement, she expressed her distress, stating, “Our whole lives have been turned upside down because of his actions and I worry continuously about the impact this has had on my daughter. I am not a vindictive person but I hope he is suffering and pays the price.”

Prosecutor Laura Pitman outlined the details of the case, emphasizing that Brownley’s conduct was not merely peeping but a calculated act involving the drilling of a hole in the door and the use of a mirror to facilitate his voyeurism. She confirmed that the incident took place in Hatherleigh, Devon, and that the police had been alerted after the teenage girl saw Brownley peering through the hole.

In addition to his jail sentence, Judge Nirmal Shant QC imposed a sexual harm prevention order on Brownley. This order restricts his contact with girls under the age of 18 upon his release from custody, aiming to prevent any future incidents of a similar nature. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such violations of privacy are regarded, especially when involving vulnerable minors in the community of Hatherleigh and beyond.