MATTHEW ASTON CAUGHT IN GREAT BARR FOR ILLEGAL PHOTOGRAPHY OF TEEN AND WOMAN AT ASDA

In August 2015, a disturbing incident unfolded at an Asda supermarket located in Great Barr, Birmingham, involving a man named Matthew Aston. Aston, aged 26 and residing at Burnside Gardens in Great Barr, was caught engaging in highly inappropriate and illegal activities within the store premises.

According to court reports, Aston was observed by a female shopper attempting to photograph her with his mobile phone while she was trying on clothes in a fitting cubicle. The woman, who was an adult, noticed the phone being directed from above the cubicle and immediately became suspicious. She looked up and realized that Aston was taking pictures of her without her consent, which caused her considerable distress.

Following this incident, the woman reported the matter to store staff, and Aston was detained by security personnel. Police were called to the scene, and during a search of Aston’s mobile device, they discovered multiple images. Among these images was a photograph of a teenage girl, aged 15, who was also trying on underwear at the store. This discovery heightened the seriousness of the case, as it involved the recording of a minor in a compromising situation.

At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, Aston faced charges of voyeurism. He admitted to two counts of this offense, which involved the illegal capturing of images of both the adult woman and the teenage girl. The court heard that the incident took place on April 25 of that year, and the evidence presented was compelling.

District Judge Goodman addressed Aston directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. He stated, “These are very serious offences, particularly when a 15-year-old girl is concerned. It makes it far more serious that you were recording or taking photos of a child. So I am satisfied, for that reason, that this does pass the custodial threshold.”

In sentencing, Aston was given a 14-week prison sentence, but this was suspended for three years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 40 hours of unpaid community service, pay £85 in court costs, and register as a sex offender for five years. The court also mandated that Aston participate in a sex offenders’ rehabilitation program to address underlying issues that may have contributed to his behavior.

Prosecutor David Devine outlined the details of the case, stating, “This took place in the Asda store in Great Barr on April 25 this year. The adult victim went into a cubicle to try some clothes when she became aware there was a camera above her. She looked up and saw it was a mobile phone.”

Defending Aston, lawyer Andrew Bailey expressed remorse and confusion over his client’s actions. He remarked, “Aston himself is at a loss as to why he behaved in this way. It is clear there are some underlying issues.” Bailey added that with proper intervention and participation in a rehabilitation program, Aston’s behavior could be corrected, and such incidents could be prevented in the future.