Pervert caught taking pictures up women's skirts outside Buckingham Place walks free

Walking free: Richard Sivier outside Westminster Magistrates' Court today
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A 57-year-old married man who was caught taking upskirt photos of women outside Buckingham Palace has been spared a jail sentence.

Richard Sivier was spotted with a camera lens poking from his bag as he stood outside the tourist hotspot while taking illicit photos and videos.

Westminster magistrates heard a woman pushing a child in a buggy was among the pervert's targets.

Quizzed by police, Sivier admitted he had been taking upskirt pictures for around 18 months as a "hobby", in London and his home city of Cambridge.

He also admitted targeting female tourists outside Horse Guards Parade on the day of his arrest, on June 20.

Sivier admitted taking pictures of women outside Buckingham Palace
Getty Images

The court also heard that some of the pictures taken by Sivier had been posted online.

This morning, his solicitor Paul Dillon said Sivier's marriage is now in crisis as a result of the conviction.

"He was arrested on the day, handcuffed and taken into custody and spent a night in the cells which was very unpleasant and very embarrassing", he said.

"He had to explain to his wife his absence overnight, and she is finding it difficult to accept his behaviour.

"He says hopefully the marriage can continue but he accepts he had put that in jeopardy."

Mr Dillon added that Sivier is now seeing a therapist and realises he may face a spell behind bars if caught upskirting again.

Magistrates handed Sivier, from Cambridge, an eight week prison sentence suspended for two years, and ordered him to undergo counselling and rehabilitation.

He will also be banned from carrying a camera in public for the next two years, and must pay £200 in court costs and fines.

Sivier pleaded guilty to one charge of committing an act of indecent behaviour in public.

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