Pilot Sentenced for Hiding Camera in Woman’s Home

Martyn Bourner, a 36-year-old pilot, has received a prison sentence after concealing a camera in a woman’s bedroom on the Isle of Man. Mr. Bourner placed a camera, hidden within a dog bed, inside the victim’s residence on May 17, 2023. This device stayed there until its discovery on December 9 of the same year. During this period, Bourner, residing at Mona Street, Douglas, entered the property while the victim was absent at work to retrieve his recordings and also engaged in sexual acts within the room, according to court proceedings. Deemster Graeme Cook, in handing down a 20-month sentence, described the actions as “bizarre behaviour” and stated they “had a devastating impact” on the victim’s existence. The discovery of the camera occurred when the victim observed a blue light emanating from her dog’s bed, where wires and a battery pack were hidden beneath the cushion. She subsequently brought the apparatus to the police within days, having realized it contained 10 stored videos. Subsequent investigations by officers revealed 1,277 files associated with the device, predominantly videos, including 39 recordings of the victim undressing, as presented in court. Douglas Courthouse was informed that Bourner’s identity was confirmed as he appeared in some of the recordings, adjusting the camera’s position and examining the victim’s belongings. His arrest took place on April 29, and he faced charges of “burglary having entered as a trespasser with the intent to install a surveillance device and installed said device”. The court was informed that Bourner’s employment was terminated due to his criminal actions. A victim impact statement, presented during the court proceedings, conveyed the woman’s experience of panic attacks since finding the camera, stating she was “scared to go outside” yet simultaneously did “not feel safe” within her own residence. Bourner had previously admitted guilt to the offence. He received a restraining order effective indefinitely and is subject to a sexual risk order for a duration of five years.