Electrician James Denholm jailed after hiding cameras in people's homes to secretly record them having sex

An electrician has been jailed after hiding cameras in people’s homes so he could secretly film them having sex.

James Denholm, 34, used his work as a cover to fit spying devices during a ten-year campaign of voyeurism and stalking.

He used secret cameras to film people without their permission – recording them in their homes and in public bathrooms.

He recorded some women having sex and others using the toilet and changing.

Denholm was caught when a victim found a recording device under her bed in May 2022 and called the police.

The disgraced tradesman on Monday was jailed for 32 months after admitting 16 charges, affecting 17 people, at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

The electrician also admitted possessing indecent images and videos of children between 2007 and 2012.

Alison McKenzie, procurator fiscal for Grampian, Highlands and Islands, said Denholm “exploited a position of trust to gain access to his victims during this alarming pattern of behaviour”.

She said: “He filmed several individuals during private moments in places where they should have felt safe, such as their own homes and in public bathrooms. His depraved behaviour has had lasting consequences on a number of those targeted during this sickening campaign.”

One of Denholm’s victims endured a five-year campaign, during which he entered her home without her knowledge or consent.

During that time, he took a sex doll and lingerie into the property, dressing it in items of her clothing and taking photographs of it.

He also captured images from outside his victims’ home, and filmed himself having sex with women without their knowledge.

Detective Inspector Mark Lambley said Denholm now “faces the consequences of his despicable and distressing actions”.

Mr Lambley added: “Sexual crime of any nature will not be tolerated. We will thoroughly investigate any reports made to us, no matter how much time has passed.”

If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028.