CHRISTOPHER RIGBY ARBORETUM PERVERT CAUGHT FILMING YOUNG GIRLS IN WORCESTER

In December 2001, a disturbing case emerged involving Christopher Rigby, a man whose actions have shocked the local community in Worcester. Rigby, known to reside in the Lower Chestnut Street area of the Arboretum, was accused of engaging in highly inappropriate and illegal activities aimed at young girls in public spaces.

According to court proceedings, Rigby used a concealed camcorder, which he kept inside a sports bag, to secretly record schoolgirls in mini skirts at various bus stops around Worcester. His illicit filming extended to a local fast-food establishment, specifically a McDonald's located in The Tything, where he was a frequent visitor. The court heard that Rigby’s covert filming activities were part of a pattern of voyeuristic behavior that he had been engaged in for several years.

The illegal activities came to light when a vigilant mother, who was concerned about her seven-year-old daughter, noticed a live image on Rigby’s camera after his bag accidentally fell open. Recognizing the potential danger, she alerted authorities immediately. Police responded swiftly, arresting Rigby in the High Street area shortly thereafter. During his arrest, Rigby insisted to officers, “I’m not doing anything wrong. I’m just filming girls in short skirts,” showing no immediate remorse.

Further investigation into Rigby’s home revealed a disturbing collection of pornographic images, many of which had been downloaded from the internet. Police found a total of 116 indecent images depicting girls aged between eight and sixteen. Some of these images were reconstructed by superimposing faces onto existing photographs, indicating a calculated effort to create more explicit material. Additionally, police discovered diaries that detailed Rigby’s sexual experiences, which he openly admitted to having recorded for his own gratification. He claimed that his viewing habits were solely for personal use and that he had been involved in such activities since 1996, often waiting near schools to satisfy his voyeuristic urges.

Rigby’s actions prompted a court hearing at Worcester Crown Court, where he faced multiple charges, including outraging public decency, possessing indecent photographs of children, and possessing indecent pseudo-photographs of minors. Prosecutor James Dunstan presented evidence of Rigby’s extensive collection, emphasizing that the images and videos were part of a long-standing pattern of behavior.

In court, Rigby’s defense counsel, Adam Western, submitted testimonials highlighting his client’s intelligence and current efforts to write a book. It was also revealed that Rigby had been held on remand for three months, a period during which he reflected on his actions. The defense argued that Rigby was not a danger to children, despite the serious nature of his offenses.

Judge David McEvoy QC, after reviewing the evidence—including examples of Rigby’s videos shown in court—imposed a three-year community rehabilitation order. The judge also mandated that Rigby participate in a sex offenders’ program and ordered him to register as a sex offender. During sentencing, the judge acknowledged that Rigby suffers from multiple sclerosis and has been diagnosed with a condition involving fetishes and voyeurism. Despite the severity of the case, Judge McEvoy expressed a belief that Rigby did not pose an ongoing threat to young girls, stating, “I don’t think you are a danger to young girls. If I did, you would be going to prison for a long time.”