Richard Clay, a 41-year-old employee of Solihull Council, has admitted a series of offences involving secretly filming women in their homes during maintenance visits. Over the course of approximately one year, Clay used concealed cameras to record upskirting videos, including of elderly women and a victim registered as blind. He also photographed himself inappropriately and took images while going through women’s underwear drawers.
Clay was exposed when his wife discovered an SD card at their home containing the illicit footage. The device held 44 upskirting videos, with 15 distinct recordings showing Clay setting up cameras and directing victims to areas where the concealed devices were placed under the premise of completing repairs or installations.
Other disturbing acts included Clay placing his genitals on a sleeping person’s face and recording people in private areas such as bathrooms. Photographs of indecent images of children were also found on the SD card and his laptop.
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He pleaded guilty to 15 counts of upskirting, nine counts of voyeurism, and possession of four category C indecent images of unidentified children.
Despite the gravity of his offences, Clay was spared immediate imprisonment at Birmingham Crown Court on September 30. Recorder Kevin Hegarty KC described his conduct as a “gross intrusion” and an “abuse of trust” given his position. Clay received a 12-month sentence suspended for two years, was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, and must attend up to 30 days of rehabilitation activity.
Additional court orders include sex offender notification requirements and a sexual harm prevention order lasting ten years.
The court heard that after his wife found the SD card in May 2021, she accessed its contents by taking it to a friend’s home. Clay attempted to conceal his actions, initially claiming the card contained family images. Following his wife’s insistence that he report himself to police, Clay attempted suicide and was later arrested from hospital.
Clay’s defence highlighted his remorse and the significant impact the investigation has had on his life, including loss of family contact and mental health decline. The probation service described his conduct as driven by impulsivity and curiosity with poor decision-making but concluded he could be managed outside of custody.
This case highlights serious breaches of privacy and trust by an individual in a position requiring access to vulnerable members of the community.