Man who took picture up skirt ‘broke no law’

WHEN a man took a photo up Gina Martin’s skirt, she was sure he could be punished.

However, after being told he did nothing illegal, she has started a petition which has gained 53,000 signatures – to make “upskirting” a specific offence under the Sexual Offences Act of 2003.

“Upskirting” is when people take pictures under unsuspecting women’s skirts.

This happened to Ms Martin at the British Summertime Festival. After seeing a man had a photo of a woman’s legs and crotch on his phone, she realised it was her.

Police were called and they asked the man to delete the photo. However, Ms Martin was later told the case was closed as the man hadn’t broken any laws.

Men who have taken “upskirt” photos have been prosecuted under different laws.

If Ms Martin had been somewhere expected to provide a level of privacy it could amount to voyeurism under section 67 of the Sexual Offences Act. However, a festival field would not fit under the remit.