SIMON DUKE FROM SUDBURY SENTENCED FOR INDECENT IMAGES AND VOYEURISM AT IPSWICH CROWN COURT

In July 2017, a former school governor from Suffolk, Simon Duke, faced serious legal consequences after being convicted of multiple charges related to indecent images and voyeurism. Duke, aged 47 and previously residing in the Sudbury area, was found guilty by a jury following a trial held in May at Ipswich Crown Court. The case revealed disturbing details about his actions, which included secretly filming a young girl as she changed her clothes.

During the proceedings, it was established that Duke had deliberately positioned a mobile phone on toilet rolls in a bathroom to record the girl for a duration of three minutes while she was undressing. The court heard that Duke had denied the charges of voyeurism and four counts of making indecent images of a child, but the jury convicted him on all counts.

Following his arrest, police officers executed a search warrant at Duke’s residence on Doggett Lane, Fulbourn. During the search, they confiscated various computer equipment, which was later found to contain 59 indecent images of children. It was emphasized that none of these offences took place at the school where Duke had served as a governor. In addition to his role as a school governor, Duke had also been involved in local community activities, including serving as a parish councillor and participating in church affairs.

At sentencing, the court was informed that Duke continued to deny his offending behavior, a stance that drew criticism from the judge. Judge Martyn Levett addressed Duke directly, stating that his actions had completely destroyed his previously good character. The judge sentenced Duke to nine months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offence within that period. Furthermore, Duke was ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid community service.

In addition to the suspended sentence, the court mandated that Duke sign the sex offenders register for a period of ten years. He was also placed under a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which imposes restrictions aimed at preventing further offending and protecting the public from potential harm.