A man described as a "sex pest" has been banned from entering a relationship without first informing social workers, following disturbing revelations about his conduct.

Andrew Thomas, 49, was caught secretly recording his 65-year-old neighbor as she changed in her bedroom at her home near Pitlochry, Scotland. He had concealed an iPhone inside a vase of artificial flowers, placing it strategically to film the woman over several months.

The disturbing setup was uncovered when the victim, while rearranging the flowers on July 29, 2023, discovered the hidden device. The phone, connected to a power bank, was found to have recorded over 40 hours of footage, capturing the woman in varying stages of undress. Further investigation of the device's gallery revealed 34 intimate video files.

The woman’s daughter and her partner later caught Thomas sneaking around the property, leading to his full confession. Thomas admitted to the police that he had developed romantic feelings for the victim, according to a report by the Daily Record.

At Perth Sheriff Court, Sheriff Alison McKay placed Thomas on the Sex Offenders Register for five years and sentenced him to 300 hours of unpaid community service. A 12-clause conduct order was also imposed, restricting his phone and internet use, prohibiting contact with the victim, and requiring that any new romantic relationships be disclosed to social workers.

Fiscal depute Rachel Hill told the court that the victim, who lived alone in a small village near Pitlochry, had considered Thomas a friend. They often socialized over coffee, alcoholic drinks, and dog walks, which deepened the betrayal.

Defense solicitor Linda Clark told the court that Thomas had become infatuated with the woman and had misinterpreted their friendship. However, she acknowledged that this offered no justification for his invasive actions.

Thomas was found to have recorded the woman between January 29 and July 29, 2023.

Sheriff McKay noted the seriousness of the violation, telling Thomas:

The circumstances of the offence are quite concerning and involve a violation of the complainer's home and her privacy. I'm not certain whether it's made better or worse that she was someone you befriended, rather than a stranger.