YEARS OF CONCERN

1973

Harington, then 21, begins his teaching career. The same year, he fights child sex allegations at Hobart’s Criminal Court and is represented by the late Michael Hodgman. Harington, according to an article from the Mercury, is acquitted of two counts of indecent practice after arguing he’d been intimidated by police into a confession. JUNE 22, 1973

The education department transfers Harington from Clarence High School to Hobart Matriculation College, where he remains for three years. 1976-1979

Harington is employed as a teacher at New Town High School. 1979-1985

Harington is employed as a teacher at Campania District School.MAY 14, 1985

A parent writes to the education department regional director saying Harington had taken their son home and made sexual advances towards him. JULY 5, 1985

The education department regional office writes to the director general, noting Harington has been charged with a criminal offence against a student and that Harington has been seconded to another, non-teaching role. The person, whose name is redacted, asks for Harington not to be returned to Campania District School as the reason for his secondment is now “common knowledge within the community” and his return would “cause considerable problems” for the school and Harington. JULY 30, 1985

A group of parents at Campania District High School writes to the director general expressing their concern about Harington returning to the school, saying the students “have no respect for him” and would “feel very uncomfortable” if he returned to his teaching role. SEPTEMBER 1985

Harington stands trial in the Supreme Court of Tasmania and is acquitted on child sex charges. OCTOBER 1985

Harington is seconded to work at CSIRO’s new Science Centre as an education officer. He is still employed by the education department. In this job, Harington is responsible for running the “Double Helix Club” – a science group for young people. MARCH 27, 1986

A senior CSIRO employee writes to the director general of education, expressing their concern about the appointment. The person, whose name has been redacted, says normal procedures for making appointments have not been followed. The person also says Harington is not the most suitable candidate for the role as he’s not a member of professional associations for science teachers and has not played a role in developing science curricula or education in Tasmania. 1986-2000

Harington is employed as CSIRO Science Centre’s manager. APRIL 14, 1993

The CSIRO sets out a list of protocols for Harington to follow, including rules that he only work with groups of five or more students, and to have another adult present if a child was required to visit his home. 1999

Harington’s CSIRO colleagues raise concerns about his interest in young males, including his behaviour with boys using an exercise bike at the Science Centre and his “clowning around” with teens at the aquatic centre. MAY 1999

Allegations “from members of the public” of Harington roaming naked through the Hobart Aquatic Centre in the presence of young males and masturbating in the shower areas. DECEMBER 23, 1999

A letter from the education department to a recipient whose name has been redacted asks for an “assessment” of its employee. The letter notes the previous allegations had been investigated by police, but criminal charges couldn’t be substantiated. FEBRUARY 22, 2000

A fax is sent to the CSIRO, accusing Harington – who was running computer game days for boys – of being alone with four students aged 12 to 15 without another adult accompanying him. The author’s name has been redacted. MAY 16, 2000

A CSIRO staffer – whose name has been redacted – writes a letter following a

meeting with Harington after fresh sex allegations are made. The letter’s author says they will “always have the highest regard” for Harington, praises his work dedication, says “I have again worked to support you”, that they’re “personally extremely sorry”, but CSIRO can no longer support him working in his role. “What will happen now is that you will be transferred to a school,” the author notes. “I know that you will be devastated by this news after you have given so much to the position.” The CSIRO worker then says: “I would like to look at how we explain your move to a school to others outside this centre. We could say that you have been experiencing

chronic fatigue syndrome over a number of years.” 2000

Harington remains employed by the education department, but takes leave to complete a doctorate in science education. 2001-2002

Harington works as a teacher at Rosetta High School and Ogilvie High School. Court documents show the education department placed Harington at Ogilvie – an all-girls school – to restrict his access to male students. 2003-2004

The Teachers Registration Board refuses to register Harington as a teacher in Tasmania. Harington appeals. A hearing is subsequently heard in the Hobart Magistrates Court, with Harington arguing he is of “good character”. 2005

Chief Magistrate Arnold Shott upholds the Teachers Registration Board’s decision. 2015

Harington confesses to molesting nine boys between 1978 and 2013, all aged between 12 and 15. Most of the victims were children Harington met while working at New Town High School, the CSIRO Science Centre, running his own health and fitness centre and while working as massage therapist. Police also found thousands of child exploitation pictures and one movie on Harington’s devices when they searched his home. Harington is jailed for seven years, with a non-parole period of 3½ years. MARCH 17, 2017

The Director of Public Prosecutions wins an appeal that Harington’s jail sentence was “manifestly inadequate”. His sentence is increased to 12 years, with a non-parole period of seven years. FEBRUARY 18, 2020

Harington fights fresh historical allegations from two complainants. He is found guilty by a Supreme Court of Tasmania jury of two counts of indecent assault and one count of maintaining a sexual relationship with a young person. He is due to be sentenced for these crimes on March 4.