Four in court on copper chopper "sex film" charges

FOUR MEN accused of filming naked sunbathers and people having sex from their police helicopter have gone on trial.

The four — Matthew Lucas, Matthew Loosemore, Lee Walls and Malcolm Reeves — all appeared at Sheffield Crown Court today.

They are accused of using the helicopter and its video cameras to invade the privacy of people around South Yorkshire, including several in Rotherham.

The court heard footage of sunbathers and amorous couples, recorded between 2007 and 2012, had been found in the property of a fifth crew member, camera operator Adrian Pogmore, of Whiston, who has previously admitted four charges.

His colleagues are accused of colluding with him to make the films, but all four deny any part, placing the blame entirely on Pogmore.

One woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was filmed sunbathing naked next to her teenage daughter in the garden of their Wentworth home.

She told investigating officers: “I see the incident as a complete and utter invasion of my privacy.

“It makes me feel sick that this has taken place. It is wrong that my young family has also been recorded.”

Prosecutor Mr Richard Wright QC said the men had not only invaded privacy, but wasted South Yorkshire Police resources and harmed public trust in the force.

Serving police officer Walls, Lucas, pilot Loosemore and ex-pilot Reeves are all accused of misconduct in public office, which they deny.

The trial continues.