A British Airways pilot, Tim Capron, walked free from Reading Crown Court after a jury acquitted him of voyeurism. The verdict concluded a deeply personal and complex case stemming from an encounter in September 2021 at his home in Maidenhead.
The three-day trial centered on whether Capron genuinely believed the complainant had consented to being filmed during a sexual encounter. He testified that prior messages between them had explored themes of ‘whips, restraints and dominance,’ leading him to believe she would be receptive.
Capron described his belief that the complainant would find ‘positive affirmation’ in seeing a response – a text message reading ‘Fan dabby dozey’ – from another individual upon viewing the image. He expressed profound regret, stating he would “live with that mistake for the rest of my life.”
The defense, led by Jenni Dempster KC, powerfully argued that the court was not a place to judge morals, but to determine if Capron knowingly filmed someone without consent. She emphasized the vast difference between a serious error in judgment and criminal behavior.
The investigation, triggered by Capron’s arrest in September 2021, also uncovered extreme pornography on his phone, for which he received a six-month conditional discharge from magistrates. This added another layer of scrutiny to the proceedings.
Capron, a graduate of ChristChurch College, Oxford, with a degree in biological science, had joined British Airways in 2016. He proactively disclosed the allegations to his employer, initially being assigned to a back-office role while continuing simulator training.
However, by December 2023, British Airways suspended Capron on full pay. The defense highlighted his complete transparency with the airline, informing them of both the voyeurism allegation and his conviction related to the pornography found on his phone.
A previous trial in July 2024 ended without a verdict, leading to a re-trial delayed by 18 months. Throughout the ordeal, Capron maintained open communication with British Airways, providing monthly updates on the case’s progress.
Testifying, Capron revealed a strained relationship with a friend, Steve Farnworth, who had been involved in the exchange of the image. Their shared interest in group sexual encounters had become “awkward” as the legal proceedings intensified.
The acquittal brings an end to a deeply troubling chapter in Capron’s life, marked by legal battles, professional uncertainty, and the weight of a significant misjudgment. He now faces the challenge of rebuilding his career and reputation.
