A 52-year-old British man has been charged in Singapore after allegedly concealing a camera inside an aircraft toilet to record passengers using the facilities during a flight from Japan.
Hugh Lutley faces two charges, one for voyeurism and another for allegedly obstructing justice by deleting evidence from his mobile phone.
The alleged incident took place on Oct 7 aboard Scoot flight TR821, which was travelling from Osaka to Singapore.
According to court documents, Lutley allegedly operated a camera at around 5.10pm with the intention of observing passengers performing a private act.
Cabin Crew Member Discovers Hidden Camera
In a statement, the Singapore Police Force said Lutley had allegedly hidden a camera inside one of the aircraft’s toilets.
After leaving the toilet, he allegedly activated the device remotely through a mobile application installed on his mobile phone.
However, his alleged plan was discovered when a cabin crew member subsequently entered the same toilet and noticed the concealed recording device.
The crew member removed the camera and immediately alerted another colleague about the discovery.
Police said Lutley later attempted to retrieve the device but realised that it had already been removed by the cabin crew.
Allegedly Deleted Application And Photos To Avoid Detection
Following the discovery, Lutley allegedly deleted the mobile application used to operate the camera, along with related photographs stored on his phone.
Investigators believe the alleged actions were intended to prevent the authorities from discovering evidence linked to the incident.
The matter was subsequently reported to the police, and Lutley was detained for investigations when the aircraft arrived at Changi Airport.
Officers seized his mobile phone and the camera as part of their investigations.
Man Indicates Intention To Plead Guilty
Lutley appeared in court on Nov 5, where he indicated that he intended to plead guilty to the charges.
He was offered bail of S$10,000, while a pre-trial conference has been scheduled for Nov 17.
He is represented by lawyer Barry Douglas Delaney from Delaney Advocates & Solicitors.
If convicted of voyeurism, Lutley faces a maximum jail term of two years, a fine, caning, or any combination of these punishments.
For the separate charge of obstruction of justice, he could face imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine, or both.
The case serves as a reminder that passengers are entitled to privacy when using aircraft facilities, and concealed recording devices can result in serious criminal consequences under Singapore law.
Lutley’s case will continue through the Singapore courts.