MATTHEW MACDIARMID SHAMES HIMSELF IN YORK AND STRENSALL WITH CHILD PORN AND VOYEURISM

In June 2008, a disturbing case unfolded involving Matthew MacDiarmid, a young man from Strensall, York, whose actions drew significant public and legal attention. The incident began when MacDiarmid was caught in a compromising situation at a swimming pool in York, where he was found with a camera and other voyeuristic equipment concealed in a cubicle area. Prosecutor Rob Galley detailed that MacDiarmid had been spying on swimmers as they changed, an act that was both invasive and deeply troubling.

Further investigation revealed a more sinister aspect of MacDiarmid’s misconduct. Following his arrest, police conducted a thorough examination of his computer. The forensic analysis uncovered three videos of child pornography downloaded from the internet. Among these was a particularly disturbing, hour-long hardcore video featuring girls aged between 12 and 14. These findings confirmed the severity of his offenses and underscored the danger posed by his actions.

At York Crown Court, Judge Stephen Ashurst, the Recorder of York, addressed MacDiarmid’s case with a tone that acknowledged the importance of transparency and accountability. The judge stated, “It is a good thing your offending has come out into the open,” emphasizing that public knowledge of his crimes allows others who might be affected to come forward and seek help. The judge also noted that MacDiarmid’s willingness to confront his past actions demonstrated a level of remorse and a desire to avoid repeating such grave errors of judgment.

MacDiarmid, aged 20 and residing at The Village, Strensall, pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing child pornography. In light of his admissions, the court sentenced him to a two-year community order, which includes two years of supervision and participation in a sex offender treatment program. This sentence follows a previous conviction from a year earlier, when he admitted to voyeurism at York Magistrates Court. That earlier case resulted in a three-year community order, also involving supervision and rehabilitation activities, and mandated that he register as a sex offender for the next five years.

Judge Ashurst highlighted that the probation service reported MacDiarmid was making good progress under the terms of his earlier community order, indicating a positive trajectory in his rehabilitation efforts. The case also revealed that after his initial arrest on February 27 of the previous year, MacDiarmid returned to the police station in the early hours of the following day to confess to possessing child pornography on his computer. Police had already seized his home PC and were preparing to conduct an extensive forensic analysis when MacDiarmid attempted to delete the videos, likely in an effort to prevent his father from discovering his viewing habits.

Throughout the proceedings, MacDiarmid’s family and girlfriend expressed their support, standing by him despite the serious nature of his offenses. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of voyeurism and child exploitation, and the importance of rigorous legal and rehabilitative measures to address such grave crimes.