A Japanese man accused of stalking and sexually assaulting a young pop star told police he tracked her down using the reflection of her eyes in a picture.
Hibiki Sato told authorities he noticed a train station reflected in the eyes of pop star Ena Matsuoka after she posted a picture online.
After zooming in on the image, the 26-year-old man used Google Street view to find the station.
He waited at the station until he saw her and followed her home, reports the BBC.
After his arrest a month later, Sato told police he was a huge fan of the woman, described as a 21-year-old "Japanese idol" in local media.
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He said he also studied videos the woman posted online from her apartment.
By using the placement of curtains and the direction of natural light coming through the window, he could try and figure out which floor she lived on.
"Even the tiniest details can reveal a lot of information about where a photograph is taken and information about the individuals in the photograph," founder of investigations site Bellingcat Eliot Higgins told the BBC.
With higher definition cameras allowing for more detail photographs concerns over digital stalkers are on the rise.
"Never post anything online you wouldn't want your boss, partner or worst enemy seeing. Even what seems like the most private setting can be exposed," said Higgins.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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