Joiner Sentenced After Being Caught Wearing Customer’s Underwear on Security Camera
A 46-year-old joiner from Chorley has been sentenced to a 12-month suspended prison term after he was caught on security footage wearing a woman’s underwear while working in her home. Neil Wilson pleaded guilty to burglary and theft at Preston Magistrates Court following the incident, which occurred in early July in Ingol, near Preston.
A Betrayal of Trust in Ingol
Caught on Camera
The homeowner discovered the behavior after reviewing security footage captured while she and her partner were out of the house. Wilson had been hired to perform work on the ground floor of the property, but the footage showed him repeatedly moving between the downstairs work area and the upstairs bedrooms.
The recordings documented Wilson searching through personal drawers, selecting various bras and underwear, and trying the items on. At one point, he was observed moving a security camera to prevent further recording of his actions. When the homeowners returned and discovered the intrusion, they contacted the police.
The Arrest and Admission
Upon his arrest, Wilson admitted to the actions, telling officers, “I’ve done something stupid.” He led police to his works van, where they recovered a pair of stolen underwear.
During his interview, Wilson acknowledged trying on the items but claimed he did not intend to permanently steal them. He testified that the arrival of a plumber during his shift startled him, prompting him to dress quickly to answer the door. He claimed he left the woman’s undergarments on beneath his own clothing because he was rushed. In addition to the 12-month suspended sentence, the court ordered Wilson to pay financial compensation and legal costs.
Professional Standards Breach
DS Ben Barnes of the South Residential Burglary Team addressed the breach of professional standards, noting that Wilson had been granted access to the property under the premise of completing contracted work.
“Wilson entered an area of a property that he didn’t have access to, whilst alone and trusted to complete the work he was hired for,” DS Barnes stated. “He betrayed that trust.”