November 11, 2004
Man charged over sneaky beach snaps
The first man to be arrested for surreptitious photography was charged with offensive behaviour by officers in Sydney over the weekend, reports the Mail&Guardian Online.
"The 25-year-old was spotted on Saturday afternoon photographing topless sunbathers at Coogee Beach, a popular spot south of Bondi Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
Witnesses alleged that he had been taking photographs while pretending to be on the phone. One witness, who grabbed the man round the throat when he saw him photographing his girlfriend, said he had claimed to be innocent when confronted.
Local police said it was the first time such sneak photography had resulted in the offensive behaviour charge, which carries a A$660 maximum fine or up to three months' imprisonment.
Five men were arrested in Queensland's Gold Coast last December for using phone cameras to take pictures up the skirts of women and girls attending annual school-leavers' celebrations.
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