❌ANDREW STAFFORD – SHEFFIELD❌
Sheffield Man Sentenced for Secretly Recording Women
Andrew Stafford, 28, formerly of Farm View Gardens, Hackenthorpe, Sheffield, was sentenced after admitting to secretly recording multiple women without their knowledge. He appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on September 16, 2024, where he pleaded guilty to three counts of voyeurism, offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Police discovered that Stafford had secretly recorded more than 8,000 intimate images using a mobile phone hidden in a bathroom. The recordings came to light only after he accidentally left the device unattended, exposing the material and triggering an investigation.
Prosecution also confirmed that Stafford had three earlier offences in 2014 relating to illegal images. At that time, he was given a community order, and the court noted this history was relevant to assessing the seriousness of his behaviour.
During the sentencing hearing, Stafford appeared emotional and said he had never received support when issues first arose. Psychological and pre-sentence reports were provided to the court.
Defending barrister Rebecca Stevens acknowledged that the offending crossed the custody threshold, but submitted that support and treatment would be more effective for public safety than imprisonment. Stafford had already spent five months on remand awaiting the outcome.
Recorder Mark Guiliani highlighted that voyeurism carries a maximum two-year imprisonment sentence. However, he determined a rehabilitation-focused community sentence would provide a better level of control and intervention.
He imposed:
• 3-year community order
• 43-session programme for sexual offending behaviour
• 80 hours of rehabilitation activity
• 100 hours of unpaid work
• 10-year restraining order
A curfew was discussed but ruled out due to safety and risk concerns identified by probation services.
SAFETY NOTE — KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
If you — or someone you know — feels unsafe, unsure about a partner, housemate or someone with access to a home or children:
You are legally entitled to request information from police through:
Clare’s Law – Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme
Allows you to ask police if someone has a history of domestic abuse so you can make informed decisions about your safety.
Sarah’s Law – Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme
Allows parents, carers and guardians to ask police whether someone who has access to a child has a record relating to sexual offences against children.
Both can be applied for online or via 101.
If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.
