Locations
Victoria Road, Netherfield, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG4
Description
A persistent stalker who opened a bathroom window and put his hands through while a woman was in the shower and also entered her home while she was on holiday has been locked up.
Nottingham Crown Court heard how the victim screamed in terror, closed the window, and called the police after seeing Stanislaw Filipiak’s hands coming through her window.
It was subsequently discovered the 39-year-old had previously been inside her home, at least twice, while she was away, had rifled through her underwear drawer and taken images of her expired passport, Facebook account log-in details, and other sensitive password information which was held on an iPad.
Filipiak, who was working as a fast food delivery driver, committed these offences in The Park area of Nottingham between 3 January and 5 February this year.
The court heard he Googled the victim’s name more than 45 times having developed a fixation with her.
Following a thorough investigation, detectives arrested Filipiak and seized two mobile phones from him.
When officers analysed his electronic devices, it was discovered that he had secretly filmed videos of young women, and photographed them in intimate situations, while they were in their bathrooms and bedrooms.
Pictures and recordings were taken through windows and gaps in their blinds, including while victims were in various stages of undress. Seven victims of voyeurism were identified.
Filipiak, formerly of Victoria Road, Netherfield, was first arrested on 24 February 2023 after he was identified on doorbell camera footage loitering outside addresses, looking through windows and trying front door handles.
He was also found to have a thick rubber cosh in his backpack and was further arrested on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon.
Further police inquiries revealed Filipiak carried out concerning and disturbing internet searches, including about 24-hour key cutting in Nottingham, the reach of city centre CCTV cameras, and other searches which showed his interest in offences of a sexual nature as well as pornographic-related material.
Filipiak was further arrested in relation to the evidence found on his electronic devices and subsequently charged.
Other material and items were found when officers searched his home, including rope and a blindfold, which the judge said were ‘a very real concern’ in context with the case.
He pleaded guilty to one count of trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, seven counts of voyeurism, two counts of stalking, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Filipiak was given an extended nine-year sentence when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (27 October 2023). This includes a six-year prison sentence and a three-year extended licence period.
He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely and made subject of a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and restraining order.
Sentencing Filipiak, Judge Michael Auty KC said he had ‘grave concerns’ as to why he had been carrying the cosh, against the background of his persistent offending over several months, and that the internet searches he had carried out were ‘deeply disturbing.’
Judge Auty said: “Imagine the terror of the young woman in the shower, seeing your hands coming through her window.
“Your behaviour represents a deep intrusion into these women’s personal lives. The fear you have engendered in them is almost impossible to state.”
The judge also publicly thanked the Nottinghamshire Police detectives for their ‘very effective, diligent, and remarkably skilled’ investigation, adding they ‘should be very proud of their work in the case.’
Detective Inspector Chris Berryman said: “The investigation team showed great perseverance and determination to identify all of the victims in this case.
"This was not an easy task and involved good investigation work from looking at distinctive windows, car parks, rubbish bins found on Filipiak’s mobile phone recordings and linking them back to the victim’s addresses.
“This enabled us to get justice for all of the victims and demonstrate how dangerous this sexual predator was and the risk he presented in the future. The sentence reflects his conduct and the good investigative work prevented an escalation in offending.”
Filipiak was brought to justice as a result of a successful partnership approach between the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutor and police investigating the case.
Sarah Sanderson, from the CPS, said: "Filipiak’s offending was extremely concerning and it is fortunate that he has been stopped.
"He had preyed on young women in their private moments when they had every right to feel safe in their homes, using the cover of his job delivering fast food to avoid suspicion.
“As well as the clear evidence of voyeurism, there was evidence of a more serious, sinister intent behind his actions. This evidence suggested his offending could have become increasingly more harmful, so it is fortunate that he has been caught and dealt with before that could happen.”
Detective Constable Ben Grayson, of Nottinghamshire Police, added: “These were appalling, invasive offences and I am pleased the judge saw fit to hand Filipiak a substantial sentence.
“No-one should have their privacy invaded in the way Filipiak did and I would like to personally thank the victims for their help in building the case against him.
“I hope this outcome serves not only as a comfort to them and wider public, but also as a stark warning to others who might be tempted to engage in voyeurism.
“Stalking is an offence we treat extremely seriously, and which can have a lasting impact on victims. It takes many forms, but it is always a very serious offence, and we urge victims to seek help from the police at the earliest opportunity. We understand that people can be reluctant to contact us – but we are always here to help.”