Cross-dresser is f ined over secret films of women
‘Episode has caused angst’
A TRANSVESTITE who secretly filmed women for fashion tips has been fined £1,500.
Derek Allan, 60, made covert videos while working as a director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre and recorded one woman because she looked like film icon Audrey Hepburn.
Allan, who was also a director of the Enchanted Forest light show, was fined yesterday but escaped being placed on the Sex Offenders Register.
Perth Sheriff Court was told that Allan’s behaviour was not ‘significantly sexually motivated’ and that he had simply been looking for ideas on how to cross-dress.
The court was told that Allan, who was dismissed from the theatre after he was caught, had been secretly dressing as a woman for several decades.
Solicitor-advocate Andrew Houston said: ‘The cost to him in reputational damage and loss of earnings have been considerable. This offence can be described as somewhat out of the ordinary. It was misguided and inconsiderate behaviour. It caused upset.’
Sheriff Lindsay Foulis told Allan: ‘It has to be recognised your behaviour would have caused the complainers considerable unease and anxiety. ’
Allan was dismissed after he was caught using his phone to spy on the women during a meeting at the theatre. He admitted breaching the peace at Pitlochry Festival Theatre between March 11 and October 31, 2014 by covertly filming two women.
He was formerly commercial director at the theatre and was initially alleged to have spied on women for three years.
Allan, of Dumfries, now operates a consultancy business.
Mr Houston, defending, said: ‘His behaviour is inextricably linked to gender identity issues. Part of his exploration of gender identity issues has involved in him engaging in what is known as cross-dressing.
‘He was capturing images of particular “looks” or styles that he was interested in emulating.
‘On October 31, 2014 the lady was dressed in the manner of Audrey Hepburn as she appeared in Breakfast At Tiffany’s. That is an iconic look.
‘This whole episode has caused tremendous angst to his family but has been the catalyst for the unburdening of this aspect of his life and character.
‘It had been hidden until the summer of last year.’
Fiscal depute Tina Dickie previously told the court: ‘At the time the two ladies were in fancy dress because it was Halloween. One became aware of the accused acting suspiciously and alerted the other.
‘When she looked across at Mr Allan she could see he was holding a phone at his chest. It was pointing at her waist and legs.
‘She was extremely distressed as she could see the accused was filming her and attempting to be secretive about it.’