LONDON- British Airways (BA) is at the center of a court case involving one of its pilots accused of secretly filming a sexual act without consent. London Heathrow Airport, London (LHR), features prominently due to the airline and crew roles involved.

A UK court has heard detailed testimony alleging misuse of trust between two British Airways employees who met through a dating app. The case focuses on consent, covert recording, and the alleged sharing of intimate videos without permission.

British Airways Pilot Charge

The case before Reading Crown Court involves Tim Capron, a British Airways pilot, who denies a single charge of voyeurism. Prosecutors allege that in September 2021, Capron secretly recorded a fellow British Airways cabin crew member during consensual sexual activity at his home.

According to the prosecution, the two had matched on Tinder in August 2021 and met in person for the first time on September 6, when they went for drinks near Capron’s home before returning to his property. They met again four days later, when the complainant visited his house for a second time.

The court heard that during this second meeting, Capron asked the complainant to wear a blindfold. While blindfolded, she allegedly heard sounds consistent with a mobile phone being placed nearby. She later noticed a blue light from a phone screen and saw that videos had been sent via WhatsApp.

Prosecutors state that the complainant had not consented to being filmed and was unaware of the recording until that moment. Upon confronting Capron, he reportedly apologized and claimed he had sent the videos to a friend who was asking what he was doing. The complainant demanded that the videos be deleted, Daily Mail reported.

Prosecution Focuses on Consent and Secrecy

The prosecution argued that the key issue for jurors is whether Capron knew the complainant did not consent to being recorded. Jane Davies, prosecuting, emphasized that the filming was done secretly and without any discussion or permission.

The court heard that Capron allegedly told the complainant, “I’m glad you caught me because I should not have done it.” Despite this, the complainant stayed briefly after a food delivery arrived, before leaving when Capron attempted to initiate further sexual activity.

On her journey home, the complainant contacted a friend, describing herself as upset and shaken. She later asked Capron to prove the videos had been deleted. He responded with a screenshot from his phone’s photo application.

Police Investigation and Trial Evidence

Capron was arrested on September 28, 2021, and initially gave a no comment interview at Loddon Valley Police Station. He later provided a prepared statement during further interviews in 2022 and 2023.

The jury also heard evidence about Tinder messages exchanged before the first meeting. Recovered messages included a comment by Capron referring to “consensual rape,” which the complainant said made her uncomfortable. She told the court that rape is never consensual and stated she had never agreed to photos or videos being taken.

Giving evidence, the complainant described noticing the phone light while blindfolded and said her instinct told her something was wrong. She became visibly emotional while recounting the moment she realized she may have been recorded. Capron denies the charge of voyeurism. The trial is ongoing.

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News