Security officer accused of ogling female colleague's breasts in body scanner

[csv8]

Security officer accused of ogling female colleague's breasts in body scanner

* By Anthony France and Jamie Pyatt, The Sun
* From: NewsCore
* March 25, 2010 6:55AM


A HEATHROW security officer was questioned by police after ogling a female colleague "naked" in a new anti-terror body scanner.

Jo Margetson, 29, reported John Laker, 25, after he took her picture with the X-ray gadget and made a lewd comment, The Sun reported.

The guard leered and allegedly told her: "I love those gigantic tits."

She had entered the X-ray machine by mistake and Laker pressed a button to take a revealing photo.

Laker, who faces the sack, was the first airport worker to be caught allegedly abusing the controversial new devices.

They were brought in by the UK government after a Nigerian man attempted to blow up a flight to Detroit on Christmas Day.

They produce full-body "nude" images of passengers to locate hidden weapons or explosives. This includes clear outlines of genitalia.

Opponents of the scanners, including anti-paedophile groups, have furiously condemned their use.

After Laker sneaked a look at her body and made the remark, Margetson told her bosses and police at the West London airport. Both work for airport operator BAA.

"I can't bear to think about the body scanner thing," Margetson told The Sun.

"I'm totally traumatized. I've spoken to the police about it. I'm in too much of a state to go to work."

Laker was questioned by police and on Monday was given a formal warning for harassment.

Critics of the body scanners had warned of just such an abuse.

"When privacy-invading machines are installed at our airports, abuses like this are inevitable," Barrister Alex Deane, director of Big Brother Watch, said.

"We are disturbed to hear of this case, which will lead to greater calls for these scanners to be banned.

"For every official caught ogling like this, there are plenty more eyeing up law-abiding travellers. These expensive machines are totally disproportionate."

Civil rights group Action On Rights For Children claimed the scanners could breach laws against indecent images of children.

And the Equality and Human Rights Commission has claimed they may breach privacy rights.

Heathrow and Manchester airports were first to get the scanners. Birmingham and Gatwick will have them later this year.

Transport Secretary Lord Adonis defended their use.

"A pat-down search is intrusive but people accept that," he said.

"A body scanner is in the same category. Images are deleted and staff are properly trained and supervised."

A BAA spokesman said: "We are aware an allegation has been made against a member of staff and we are currently investigating.

"We treat any allegations of inappropriate behaviour or misuse of security equipment very seriously."

My comment : We knew this would happen..but airports said it wouldn't.