University Professor Lived Double Life as Sex Offender, Colleagues Unaware
A renowned film studies professor convicted of plotting to assault a child continued teaching for months after his arrest, with colleagues only learning of his crimes when contacted by the press.
Barry Langford, a film studies professor at Royal Holloway University of London, maintained a secret life as a sex addict and was arrested in October 2023 on suspicion of planning to sexually assault an underage girl. He continued to work at the university, with his profile remaining on the institution's website as the autumn term began in September, unbeknownst to his students and fellow faculty.
Colleagues and the university administration learned of Langford's criminal conduct only after the Daily Mail contacted them following his conviction. Langford, 61, had been messaging an individual on a fetish website, believing he was arranging to meet a child for sexual activity. However, he was communicating with an undercover police officer.
Langford pleaded guilty to one count each of arranging the commission of a child sex offense, making an indecent image of a child, and possessing extreme pornography. He was convicted at the Old Bailey in June and sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for three years. He also received a ten-year sexual harm prevention order.
The university stated it was not informed of the proceedings by authorities or Langford himself. A university spokesperson called the conduct "utterly abhorrent" and confirmed Langford is "no longer employed by the university." The institution acknowledged the news might be distressing and has support in place for its community.
Langford's legal defense indicated he had resigned on June 29, the same day he pleaded guilty. The court heard that Langford and a female co-defendant, who received a community order for her lesser role, discussed their sexual fantasies involving a child in graphic detail through messages and calls on platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. Despite expressing intent to meet and abuse a girl, Langford reportedly withdrew from the plan due to concerns about imprisonment, though not before suggesting the child attend a swinger party in France.
Detective Constable Nikki Jones, who led the investigation, highlighted that such offenders can exist "among us" and often lead a "double life," concealing their obsessions from those closest to them. The delay in bringing Langford to court was attributed to evidence gathering and court backlogs, a process that took three years from his arrest.
Langford's academic profile and mentions of him have since been removed from the university's website. He had previously appeared on university social media, congratulating students and welcoming new arrivals, and his academic work was referenced in LinkedIn posts.
