DURHAM UNIVERSITY OFFICIAL JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON VULNERABLE WOMEN

Andrew Harston, the former Director for Development and Alumni Relations at Durham University, was convicted of two counts of sexual assault and two counts of assault by penetration after a trial at Teesside Crown Court. He received a prison sentence of 14 years and will be subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. The jury found that Harston targeted two women who were intoxicated and asleep, with the second assault taking place while he was out in the community but subject to police investigation. These assaults occurred during his tenure at Durham University, where he managed global fundraising, alumni relations, and development projects. During the investigation, Harston claimed that his sexual contact with the first victim was consensual, though prosecutors maintained he took advantage of the victims' intoxication and vulnerability. Prosecutor Ian Mullarkey stated, 'It is the prosecution case that this defendant exploited [the women] during their intoxication. He used their vulnerability to commit sexual assaults and has subsequently lied about his actions.' Crown Prosecution Service representative Ian Lowther described Harston as a 'sexual predator' and pointed out that he continued offending even while under investigation for other crimes, indicating 'extremely concerning predatory behavior and no remorse.' Detective Sergeant Clare Riley of Durham Constabulary acknowledged the bravery of the victims and urged anyone experiencing abuse to contact police for help. The report features a photograph credited to Eleanor Tait.