GERARD FAIRCLAUGH FROM SUNDERLAND ESCAPES JAIL AFTER VOYEURISM INCIDENT IN MONKWEARMOOTH
In May 2022, a disturbing case involving a former police officer from Sunderland came to light, revealing serious allegations of voyeurism against his own stepdaughter.Gerard ‘Ged’ Fairclough, aged 54 and residing on Chandler’s Road in Monkwearmouth, appeared before Durham Crown Court to face sentencing after admitting to four separate offences committed over a period of 20 months.
These offences had previously been acknowledged during a hearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court on March 2.
Fairclough’s background as a retired police inspector from Northumbria Police was noted, although he was not actively serving at the time the crimes took place.
The shocking incident was uncovered when the victim, who was a teenager at the time, exited her en-suite shower and returned to her bedroom.
During this routine moment, she noticed a mobile phone hidden behind a hoodie, which immediately raised suspicion.
Upon inspecting the device, she discovered a video recording that clearly showed Fairclough setting up a camera.
The footage revealed him stepping back to check the shot, indicating an intent to secretly record her.
The victim, now an adult, promptly contacted her mother after discovering the phone.
Her mother then reported the incident to the police, leading to Fairclough’s subsequent arrest.
During the court proceedings, Judge James Adkin, the Recorder of Durham, delivered a sentence that reflected the gravity of the offences.
Fairclough was sentenced to one year in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offences within that period.
Additionally, he was ordered to complete 220 hours of unpaid community work and to participate in 30 days of rehabilitation programs aimed at addressing his conduct.
Furthermore, Fairclough was subjected to an indefinite restraining order, prohibiting him from approaching or contacting the victim.
He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities related to sexual offences.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the case and the importance of safeguarding victims from such invasive and criminal behaviour.
