CHRISTOPHER SINGLETON CAUGHT WITH NEARLY 7,000 CHILD PORN IMAGES IN COTTINGHAM
| Red Rose Database
Cottingham Child Sexual Abuser
In May 2010, a shocking case emerged involving Dr. Christopher Singleton, a renowned expert in childhood dyslexia based in Cottingham. Despite his significant contributions to the field, including pioneering work in diagnosing dyslexia in young children and developing innovative computer programs to test five-year-olds, Singleton's reputation was severely tarnished by his involvement in a disturbing criminal activity.
Singleton, aged 65 and a retired lecturer from the University of Hull, appeared at Hull Crown Court to face serious charges. He pleaded guilty to nine counts of accessing indecent images, which included a staggering total of 6,734 photographs of children engaged in sexual acts or depicted in explicit situations. The court was informed that among these images, approximately 1,000 were classified at the most severe level of depravity. These images had been downloaded over a span of three years, beginning in 2006, raising questions about the extent of his online activity during that period.
The court heard that Singleton's work in the field of child development and dyslexia was groundbreaking, and he had worked with hundreds of children to develop tools for early diagnosis. His research had even influenced national policy on dyslexia, making his criminal conduct all the more shocking. Judge Roger Thorn QC addressed Singleton directly, describing the case as a tragedy for everyone connected to him. The judge emphasized that Singleton's professional career, which had ended at 65, was now overshadowed by his actions, which served as his own punishment.
Judge Thorn remarked on the hypocrisy of Singleton's situation, noting that he had lectured extensively on child abuse and was considered an authority in child development. The judge stated, “That’s a gross hypocrisy when you were doing it yourself. Behind every one of these ghastly pictures there was a real child.” The judge also expressed concern for Singleton’s friends, who trusted him and could find it difficult to reconcile his professional reputation with his criminal behavior. The court acknowledged the shame and disgrace brought upon Singleton and his associates.
During the hearing, Singleton’s legal representative, Anil Murray, conveyed that his client was overwhelmed with shame and remorse. Murray explained that Singleton’s initial interest in art, which involved drawing nude paintings using photographs of naked individuals, eventually led him to explore the internet. According to Murray, Singleton claimed he did not intentionally seek out child pornography and insisted that his research did not involve direct contact with children. He sought to reassure the public that his online activities were purely research-based and not related to any contact with minors.
Singleton’s arrest was part of an international operation targeting online paedophiles, known as Operation Typhoon, conducted by the Humberside Police’s Internet Sex Offender Investigation Section. Following his guilty plea, Singleton was sentenced to a 12-month prison term, suspended for three years. He was also ordered to participate in a sex offenders’ rehabilitation program, placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years, and subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. Additionally, he is required to regularly disclose his computer use to the police and allow inspections.
Singleton retired from the University of Hull in June of the previous year after a career spanning four decades. His work in dyslexia research had a significant impact, with the government utilizing his findings to shape national policies on managing the condition. Despite his professional achievements, his involvement in this criminal case has cast a long shadow over his legacy, raising serious questions about the intersection of personal conduct and professional reputation.
Singleton, aged 65 and a retired lecturer from the University of Hull, appeared at Hull Crown Court to face serious charges. He pleaded guilty to nine counts of accessing indecent images, which included a staggering total of 6,734 photographs of children engaged in sexual acts or depicted in explicit situations. The court was informed that among these images, approximately 1,000 were classified at the most severe level of depravity. These images had been downloaded over a span of three years, beginning in 2006, raising questions about the extent of his online activity during that period.
The court heard that Singleton's work in the field of child development and dyslexia was groundbreaking, and he had worked with hundreds of children to develop tools for early diagnosis. His research had even influenced national policy on dyslexia, making his criminal conduct all the more shocking. Judge Roger Thorn QC addressed Singleton directly, describing the case as a tragedy for everyone connected to him. The judge emphasized that Singleton's professional career, which had ended at 65, was now overshadowed by his actions, which served as his own punishment.
Judge Thorn remarked on the hypocrisy of Singleton's situation, noting that he had lectured extensively on child abuse and was considered an authority in child development. The judge stated, “That’s a gross hypocrisy when you were doing it yourself. Behind every one of these ghastly pictures there was a real child.” The judge also expressed concern for Singleton’s friends, who trusted him and could find it difficult to reconcile his professional reputation with his criminal behavior. The court acknowledged the shame and disgrace brought upon Singleton and his associates.
During the hearing, Singleton’s legal representative, Anil Murray, conveyed that his client was overwhelmed with shame and remorse. Murray explained that Singleton’s initial interest in art, which involved drawing nude paintings using photographs of naked individuals, eventually led him to explore the internet. According to Murray, Singleton claimed he did not intentionally seek out child pornography and insisted that his research did not involve direct contact with children. He sought to reassure the public that his online activities were purely research-based and not related to any contact with minors.
Singleton’s arrest was part of an international operation targeting online paedophiles, known as Operation Typhoon, conducted by the Humberside Police’s Internet Sex Offender Investigation Section. Following his guilty plea, Singleton was sentenced to a 12-month prison term, suspended for three years. He was also ordered to participate in a sex offenders’ rehabilitation program, placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years, and subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. Additionally, he is required to regularly disclose his computer use to the police and allow inspections.
Singleton retired from the University of Hull in June of the previous year after a career spanning four decades. His work in dyslexia research had a significant impact, with the government utilizing his findings to shape national policies on managing the condition. Despite his professional achievements, his involvement in this criminal case has cast a long shadow over his legacy, raising serious questions about the intersection of personal conduct and professional reputation.