JEREMY ALLINGTON FROM SMITH DURHAM CAUGHT IN SHOCKING CHILD SEX ABUSE AND VOYEURISM SCANDAL

In March 2017, a highly regarded scientist from Durham, Jeremy Allington, found himself at the center of a disturbing criminal case that shocked the local community and the academic world alike. The case revealed a pattern of deeply troubling behavior involving the filming and possession of child abuse images, as well as voyeuristic acts targeting women in public spaces.

Allington, who was associated with Durham University and resided in the Smith area, was accused of engaging in illegal activities over a span of several years. His actions included secretly filming women in public, particularly those wearing short skirts or shorts, by using a mobile phone to capture footage underneath doors, and collecting a vast array of indecent images of children. The police investigation uncovered thousands of such images, including drawings and a manual that provided advice on the sexual abuse of children, many of which bore his own hand-drawn illustrations.

The case came to light after a student, while helping her landlady sort through some rubbish, discovered a brown envelope containing numerous sketches created by Allington. This discovery prompted a police search of his residence and university office, where authorities found an extensive collection of illegal material. Among the items seized were over 4,000 images depicting child abuse, along with videos and sketches that detailed various acts of sexual violence against minors.

Further investigation revealed that Allington had stored clandestine footage on his laptop, including 360 video clips of women in Durham city center, filmed without their knowledge. These videos showed him surreptitiously capturing women as they went about their daily routines. His misconduct led to his resignation from Durham University, where he was once a respected astrophysicist and associate director of a research facility dedicated to developing instruments for space exploration.

During police interviews, Allington admitted to creating the sketches, claiming he was unaware that such drawings were illegal. He argued that the sketches were 'victimless' because no children were actually harmed, and he drew them during moments of idleness for sexual gratification. He also stated that he could not determine the ages of the children depicted in the downloaded images, which he claimed he did not realize were illegal. His defense highlighted his medical condition, Parkinson’s disease, and the medication he was taking, which he said contributed to his hypersexuality and impulsive behavior.

In October 2016, Allington pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including making indecent images of children, possessing prohibited images, voyeurism, and acts outraging public decency. He admitted to downloading hundreds of images, including some of the most severe categories, and possessing a manual containing advice on child abuse. His actions also included filming women without their consent and taking indecent photographs of them in public.

Judge Christopher Prince, presiding over the case, acknowledged that the offenses were serious enough to warrant a custodial sentence. However, after considering medical reports, character references, and the defendant’s remorse, he opted for a non-custodial sentence, describing Allington as having made a 'major contribution' to astrophysics and noting his willingness to seek psychiatric help. The judge emphasized that, with careful monitoring of his medication, the risk of reoffending could be managed, allowing him to avoid prison. The court also ordered him to register as a sex offender immediately.

Throughout the proceedings, the case drew significant media attention, highlighting the fall from grace of a scientist once celebrated for his academic achievements. The community in Durham, especially in the Smith area, was left grappling with the shocking revelation of such heinous conduct by someone they had once regarded as a prominent figure in science and research.