New Zealand soldier films women during sex, faces court martial, laughs during trial

Corporal Manu Smith, a Royal New Zealand Infantry soldier, is facing serious charges after being accused of secretly filming two women during intimate moments without their consent.

Smith stands accused of three counts of making intimate visual recordings without permission. His testimony during the trial revealed his dismissive attitude towards the accusations. He was reportedly laughing when he was confronted about the recordings, as he continues to maintain that he had permission to record.

The allegations, heard this week at a court martial at Burnham Military Camp, have shocked many and raised questions about privacy and trust within the military community.

Details of the case

The hearing, expected to last three days, has brought to light disturbing details about the case. Flight Lieutenant Hannah O’Byrne, the prosecutor, told the court that both women would testify that Smith recorded them without their knowledge and shared these images through Snapchat.

The seriousness of the charges is underscored by testimony revealing Smith’s dismissive attitude, he reportedly laughed when confronted and even when one woman asked if he had shared the recordings with others.

One of the women gave evidence via video link. Under questioning by Smith’s lawyer, Matthew Hague, she spoke about a chat group formed after their breakup, where members expressed dislike toward Smith and discussed ways to get him into trouble.

She admitted raising the issue of the secret recordings as a way to make Smith feel the hurt she experienced during their relationship, but insisted she did not fabricate the claims.

She also emphasized that while she consented to sexual relations with Smith, she never consented to being filmed.

Broader picture

In New Zealand, as in many countries, laws are tightening to protect victims of such violations, yet cases like this demonstrate how difficult it can be for survivors to seek justice.

Service members are expected to uphold high standards of conduct, and breaches involving personal relationships can damage morale and trust within units.

But for now, the hearing continues as both sides prepare to present further evidence.