TEESSIDE COURT SENDS OFFENDER TREVOR ALLEN FROM RICHMOND TO BUS LIST MONSTER OF CHILD ABUSE IMAGES

In May 2014, Trevor Allen, a former headteacher and community figure from Richmond, was delivered a stark warning by a judge regarding his troubling attraction to children. Allen, aged 70, who previously worked as an administrator at Risedale Sports and Community College in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, from 2004 to 2011, maintained his innocence about any sexual interest in minors. Despite admitting to 11 counts of possessing 35 indecent images of children as young as nine, which included some of the most serious categories, Allen claimed he was attempting to access legal pornography.

Prosecutor Sarah Mallet stated that Allen’s wife had reported to police the discovery of numerous video files, such as one titled 'Dormitory Boys,' on Allen’s recently bought computer at his home on Bolton Avenue, Richmond, while he was attending a conference in September 2012. A forensic investigation confirmed that Allen, who was a clerk for the Company of Mercers, Grocers and Haberdashers of Richmond—a body whose members include MP William Hague—had conducted explicit internet searches, notably for terms like 'young gay teen boys.'

Allen, who has been involved with groups including Richmond and Darlington operatic societies, Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society, and Leyburn and Teesside Gilbert and Sullivan societies, told police he was questioning his sexuality, despite being married.

Defence lawyer Inga Borgen explained that Allen was ashamed of having downloaded the images, emphasizing that his life had been upended due to a divorce and relocating from North Yorkshire. However, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, Simon Bourne-Arton QC, highlighted that Allen had damagingly tarnished his reputation. He remarked, “There is no suggestion that you were anything but a committed and caring professional when working in schools. At age 70, you have lost your good name and exposed yourself as someone inclined to view such images. You have been in denial, Mr. Allen.”

Sentencing, Allen received a 15-week jail term—suspended for 18 months—along with 120 hours of community service, 18 months of supervision, and he was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register. A North Yorkshire County Council spokesperson confirmed that the allegations arose after Allen had left his position at Risedale College, stating, “They do not relate to his employment there or to any pupils, past or present.”

In a prior case in Northallerton Magistrates Court, Allen pled guilty to the same charges. He was arrested in November 2012 at his home after police discovered the disturbing images on his computer. Investigators classified some of the images as among the most extreme. Allen, who has since relocated to Sussex, had a prolonged teaching career culminating in retiring as a secondary school head in Surrey in 2000. Community involvement included participation in several arts societies, and he also served as clerk for the Richmond-based Company of Mercers, Grocers and Haberdashers.

A local resident, requesting anonymity, described Allen as a prominent figure in Richmond, even calling him ‘Mr. Richmond’. Magistrates refered the case to Teesside Crown Court for sentencing scheduled on May 23.