Man jailed for ‘upskirting’ woman at the British Museum after off-duty officer intervened

A man has been jailed after an off-duty police officer saw him ‘upskirting’ a woman at the British Museum and promptly apprehended him.

The swift action by the City of London Police officer enabled Met officers to begin an investigation into the man, who they found had a string of similar videos on his phone.

Officers are asking women who think they may also have been a victim to come forward so they can offer help and support.

Jake Verano Gomez, 33 (30.01.91), a Colombian national of no fixed address, was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay court fees at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 21 August, having pleaded guilty to recording an image under clothing to observe another without consent.

He will also have to register with the police in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for up to seven years.

On Monday, 19 August, the City of London officer noticed the man taking the video while the victim was unaware.

She quickly detained the man with the help of staff and security from the Museum before Met officers arrived and took him into custody.

The victim was supported by the Museum’s Visitor Services and Met officers upon arrival.

Detective Constable Holly Wright, from the Public Protection team covering Camden, said: “These kinds of offences have a devastating impact on women and girls who should be free to go about their lives without fear of being the victim of such a horrendous crime.

“Fortunately the presence of our colleague from City of London Police has meant Gomez has now been brought to justice.

“Following his arrest Gomez’s phone was interrogated by Met detectives, they found a number of videos of other victims – also believed to have been filmed that day – were discovered. Sadly, this may mean there are more women who are unaware that they have been the victim of crime.

“If you were at the British Museum on Monday, 19 August around 14:00hrs and think you may have been a victim, I am asking you to come forward and speak to us.”

Please call 101 or post @MetCC reference CAD 4342/19Aug.