London university releases statement after professor sentenced for a child sexual offence

Royal Holloway, University of London has released a statement after a professor pled guilty to a child sexual offence.

Barry Langford, who was a professor of Film Studies at Royal Holloway, University of London, was sentenced at Central Criminal Court on 30th September. He connected with abusers online about a shared interest in child sexual abuse. Barry Langford is no longer employed by the university.

A spokesperson for Royal Holloway, University of London told The Tab: “The university was not informed of the criminal proceedings by either the relevant authorities or the individual concerned. The conduct in question is utterly abhorrent and has no place whatsoever within this university. We can confirm that this individual is no longer employed by the university. 

“We recognise that this news may be distressing to many of our students and colleagues and have support in place. Our focus remains on supporting our community and we will not be commenting further at this time.”

The Metropolitan Police discovered a plan to travel abroad in order to sexually abuse a child. Barry Langford was arrested in October 2023. Police found illegal images, a catalogue of extreme sexual interests, and chat logs in which Langford and an accomplice planned a child sex offence.

 

 

 

 

 

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It is understood that none of the victims identified in the authorities’ investigation were at any point affiliated with Royal Holloway. The university was first made aware of the criminal proceedings in the week before the sentencing.

Barry Langford led lectures and seminars at Royal Holloway. His works include Post-classical Hollywood: Film Industry, Style and Ideology Since 1945 and Film Genre: Hollywood and Beyond. He is also a member of the Holocaust Research Institute, and co-edited an essay collection called Teaching Holocaust Literature and Film.

Royal Holloway, University of London’s campus in Egham

The vice-chancellor of Royal Holloway, Professor Julie Sanders, addressed students in a statement on 1st October. She wrote: “It is with an exceptionally heavy heart that I am writing to share some very upsetting news. It is likely you will see reports about the criminal proceedings in the media in the coming days, which I understand will be very difficult. I recognise you will have questions about what has happened. We are restricted about what we can share at this stage, which I understand is frustrating.”

She continued: “The actions of one individual do not define us. At a difficult time, I hope we can take strength from one another and remain grounded in the values that matter so deeply to us.”

Media Arts students and staff are encouraged to contact the Royal Holloway University’s wellbeing advisers, use the online platform Togetherall, or arrange an appointment with a counsellor.

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