Hi °C | Lo °C A man accused of setting up a camera and computer system to spy into neighbours bedrooms may have gone undetected for five years, the High Court heard.
Police believe some of those Rodney Seffen (38) is alleged to have filmed could have been younger than 12, prosecutors said.
Seffen, of High Field Road, Magherafelt, Co Londonderry, is charged with voyeurism, recording a person in a private act, and operating equipment for the purposes of voyeurism. He is alleged to have been viewing a mother and daughter in a house close by.
Seffen was granted bail to live at an address approved by police, but ordered to allow officers to carry out inspections at any time.
Crown counsel Kate McKay said he was arrested following searches at his home last month.
Police discovered roof slats had been removed to give a view out, and a video camera installed near the chimney, the court heard. Mrs McKay said the camera was live when police called at the address.
“It seemed to be focused on the bedroom window of a house across the street,” she said.
“The defendant admitted he was able to flick over to a live video feed to check out what was going on.”
The accused, a graphic designer who lives alone, claimed the images were for professional rather than sexual purposes as he was an artist, the court was told.
Mrs McKay said: “At interview he didn't seem to feel his actions were inappropriate.”
