READING GEOLOGIST KENT ADAMSON CAUGHT TAKING INDECENT IMAGES AT DANA MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN IN HYDE PARK

In September 2015, a serious incident involving a geologist from Reading, Kent Adamson, came to light when he was convicted of taking indecent images of children during a visit to Hyde Park. The incident occurred on August 19, 2013, at the well-known Diana Memorial Fountain, a popular spot in the Royal Park where families and visitors often gather to enjoy the water and leisure activities.

Adamson, aged 45 at the time, was observed using a long-lens camera to secretly photograph children playing in the fountain. His focus appeared to be on capturing images of young girls, with one particular girl in a red polka-dot swimming costume catching his attention. He zoomed in on her torso, taking photographs from a distance that raised suspicion among a vigilant member of the public. This individual noticed Adamson’s suspicious behavior and promptly alerted the police, leading to an investigation.

Following the alert, authorities conducted a search of Adamson’s digital equipment, specifically his memory card. The search revealed nine photographs depicting a pre-pubescent girl in a swimming costume. Several of these images showed close-up shots of her body, with some notably lacking her head or feet, which indicated a disturbing focus on her body rather than her face or context. These images were deemed wholly inappropriate and taken without the consent or knowledge of the children or their parents, a fact that deeply concerned the authorities and the court.

During the trial at Southwark Crown Court, a jury composed of four men and eight women deliberated for approximately an hour and a half before reaching a verdict. On July 15, 2015, they found Adamson guilty of taking indecent images of children. The court proceedings revealed that Adamson, who resided on Watlington Street in Reading, had initially denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the photographs were merely part of 'street photography.' He insisted that his images were innocent and captured everyday scenes, including children playing and water droplets in the fountain, emphasizing his interest in capturing the aesthetic qualities of the environment.

However, the evidence presented contradicted his claims. A pre-sentence report highlighted that Adamson was attempting to minimize his culpability, despite the clear evidence of inappropriate behavior. Judge Deborah Taylor addressed the court, stating, “On the relevant date at the Diana Memorial Fountain, you took photographs of children who were playing near the fountain, and because it was a hot day, they were dressed in swimming costumes. These images were wholly inappropriate and taken without the consent or knowledge of those children or their parents, and any parent would be horrified at the taking of such images of their child.”

In sentencing, Adamson received a 12-month prison sentence, which was suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 240 hours of community service and pay costs amounting to £2,800. The court also imposed a five-year sexual harm prevention order, restricting his contact with girls under the age of 16. Adamson, an American citizen who had been residing in the UK for seven years, indicated his intention to return to the United States after serving his sentence.

It is noteworthy that Adamson also faced a separate charge related to possessing indecent images of children, specifically a collection of images that had been deleted from his computer. However, prosecutors decided not to pursue this charge publicly, as the images were classified as Level C, the least serious category. Consequently, Adamson will not face trial for these images, and the charge has been left on file. The court was not informed of this additional charge during the proceedings, and Adamson continues to deny any possession of indecent images of children.

Overall, this case underscores the importance of vigilance and the legal consequences of inappropriate behavior involving minors, even when the images are taken under the guise of photography. The incident at Hyde Park’s Diana Memorial Fountain remains a stark reminder of the need for safeguarding children in public spaces and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address such offenses.