A man who spent six years secretly filming women through their bedroom windows in north London has been jailed after police caught him in the act. Anthony Durkan, 35, was sentenced to four years at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, October 28, after pleading guilty to 26 voyeurism offences.
Six-Year Campaign of Intrusion
Durkan, of Corporation Street, Islington, began his offending in January 2020. He prowled the streets at night wearing a balaclava and filmed unsuspecting women inside their homes. Police are still working to establish exactly how many women were affected.
The investigation began in January this year when a woman reported that a stranger had repeatedly visited her home in the early hours and filmed through her windows. A neighbour had spotted a man dressed entirely in black, wearing a balaclava, approaching the property and holding his phone up to the windows.
Caught by Targeted Patrols
Weeks later, another woman reported a similar incident after spotting a man recording her through her window. She confronted him, and he immediately fled. Detectives noted striking similarities between the two incidents and launched targeted patrols in the area.
On March 25, the first night of the operation, plain-clothed officers spotted Durkan approaching another home and apparently preparing to carry out the same routine. He was arrested moments later.
Evidence and Sentencing
A search of his phone uncovered a hidden gallery containing hundreds of pictures and videos of women. Police also seized five more mobile devices and a small camera from his home. In total, detectives recovered 99 images and 162 videos linked to the investigation.
Durkan pleaded guilty to seven voyeurism charges in March before admitting another 19 offences in June. He was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Chief Inspector Gemma Alger said: "Durkan carried out a calculated and deeply intrusive campaign of offending, targeting women in what should have been the safety and privacy of their own homes. Many victims had no idea they were being watched and filmed."
She added: "This investigation was driven by the determination of officers to act on reports from local women and identify the perpetrator. Through proactive patrols, officers were able to spot Durkan carrying out the same offending behaviour and arrest him before more women could be targeted."
Despite his conviction, police believe there could be more victims. They are appealing for women across Islington and north London who noticed suspicious activity near their homes between January 2020 and March 2026 to come forward. Alger thanked the victims for their bravery, saying their actions had "undoubtedly prevented further harm".
