A MAN who installed a spy cam in the bathroom where he was lodging has narrowly avoided being sent to jail.

Paul Pennington, 33, of Grenville Road, Plymouth, hid the spy cam behind a book and some packages on a shelf in the bathroom of the house in Newton Abbot. 

Newton Abbot magistrates court heard unemployed Pennington recorded the female owner naked in the bath and shower at various times between June 2020 and July 2021.

The female victim told the court she felt ‘completely betrayed, violated and demoralised’ and had been anxious that the footage was released to the public.

Pennington said he 'bitterly regretted' his actions and was remorseful.

The JPs sentenced him to eight months in jail, suspended for two years, imposed a five year restraining order and a 10 year sexual harm prevention order. The order stipulates that the only spy cam he is allowed to use is an external ring doorbell camera.

Pennington admitted three charges of voyeurism where he installed equipment to record a private act to obtain sexual gratification.