An actor and musician has been sentenced to jail and placed on the sex offenders register for setting up a hidden camera to film children undressing during costume changes in theatre dressing rooms. Thomas Jason Connell, 27, also recorded adult victims showering at friends’ homes, filmed children undressing at a swimming pool changing room, and upskirted women at an Edinburgh train station. Connell, known as T-J Connell on stage, pleaded guilty to eight offences of voyeurism and possessing indecent images of children at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month.
Sheriff Derek O’Carroll sentenced Connell to 42 months in jail backdated to April last year and placed him on the sex offenders register indefinitely. A 10-year sexual harm prevention order and a 10-year non-harassment order for one victim were also imposed. Connell’s lawyer stated he has been engaging with the sex offenders organization Stop It Now while in custody. Despite his musical pursuits and community theatre appearances, Connell’s disturbing actions were uncovered during a police visit to his home last year, where indecent footage was found, leading to his recent sentencing.
The court heard that Connell had been previously placed on the sex offenders register in 2023 for possessing indecent images of children. During the recent raid, police found videos of people undressing backstage during theatre shows, as well as footage of women showering at homes he visited. Victims, including minors, were shocked and disturbed to learn about the recordings, which included images of children undressing at swimming pools and theatres. Connell also filmed himself upskirting women at a train station and possessed child abuse videos on his phone.
Despite his public persona as an entertainer, Connell’s criminal actions have led to his incarceration and lifelong registration as a sex offender. His breach of trust and violation of privacy have had a profound impact on his victims, who were unaware of being filmed in intimate settings. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and holding perpetrators of such heinous acts accountable for their actions.
In summary, the case of Thomas Jason Connell highlights the disturbing actions of a perpetrator who used hidden cameras to violate the privacy of children and adults. The sentencing reflects the seriousness of his crimes and underscores the need to protect individuals from such exploitation. Such cases serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to prevent and address instances of voyeurism and child abuse in society.