HERIOT-WATT PROFESSOR CAUGHT FOLLOWING CHILDREN IN POOL CHANGING ROOMS
A professor who lurked in changing rooms as children prepared for a swimming pool disco has been suspended by his university, a court has heard.Prof Peter Ridges admitted following children around changing rooms at Perth Leisure Pool on two separate occasions.
Perth Sheriff Court was informed that Ridges was suspended from his position at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and is currently facing an internal inquiry.
Sheriff William Gilchrist admonished him.
Ridges, aged 52, initially denied any wrongdoing but changed his plea to admit amended charges after CCTV footage was shown of him in the changing room.
He confessed to following children inside and listening to them while they changed into their swimming costumes.
CCTV evidence revealed the maths professor observing groups of children aged from eight to 14 before choosing which cubicle to enter next.
When the children exited the cubicle, Ridges was seen to leave the adjacent one shortly afterward, wearing exactly the same swim shorts as he did initially.
Pool staff considered his presence during a children’s event, held on a Saturday night with loud music, highly unusual, especially since few adults typically attend.
The police were contacted when Ridges returned to the scene a year later and was recognized by staff.
The court also heard that Ridges was seen entering and lingering around the changing rooms, acting suspiciously, and was caught looking at girls.
His behavior was described as odd and eccentric, and his solicitor suggested he might be on the autistic spectrum.
Ridges admitted to two charges of disorderly conduct and breaching the peace by loitering in the changing room area in both instances.
Sheriff Gilchrist explained that a psychological report indicated Ridges had a habit of eavesdropping; however, the sheriff made clear that this behavior is inappropriate and can cause concern to others.
Heriot-Watt University confirmed that Ridges had been removed from face-to-face teaching but was still employed at the institution, and the university would evaluate internal actions following the case.
He has no criminal record, and given his age and the nature of the case, the sheriff admonished him, noting that this record will include an entry about his conduct.
