ANDREW SMOGGIE AND SHOCKING SURVEILLANCE AT WARRINGTON PRIDE IN MANCHESTER
In a disturbing incident during Manchester Pride, officers confronted Andrew Smoggie, a known registered sex offender from Warrington, after he was observed engaging in suspicious behavior around women on Peter Street.The police, who were dressed in plain clothes, were monitoring the crowd when they noticed Smoggie acting in a manner that raised immediate concern.
During the event, Smoggie was seen walking with his phone held to his ear but in a way that suggested he was in photo mode rather than making a call.
This suspicious conduct prompted the officers to keep a close watch on his activities.
It was eventually confirmed that Smoggie was actively taking photographs of women without their knowledge.
When the officers approached him, they discovered that he had been capturing images of women, some of whom appeared unconscious or unaware of his actions.
A thorough check of Smoggie's mobile device revealed that he had taken hundreds of pictures, many of which seemed to be captured at the Pride event.
This extensive collection of photographs raised significant concern, especially considering Smoggie's prior criminal record.
Andrew Smoggie, also known previously as Andrew Mackie, aged 51 and residing on Thelwall Lane in Warrington, is a registered sex offender.
His status comes with strict legal restrictions, including a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
This order explicitly prohibits him from taking photographs of any females he does not know personally when in public spaces.
The police suspected he had violated this order during the Pride event.
Following the confrontation, Smoggie was immediately taken into police custody.
He was then charged with breaching his SHPO, a court-ordered restriction designed to prevent individuals like him from engaging in certain behaviors likely to cause harm or distress.
Such orders can be imposed for a minimum of five years or even indefinitely, depending on the severity of the case.
Violating the conditions of a SHPO is a criminal offence.
Smoggie appeared before Manchester & Salford Magistrates Court on Monday, August 29.
During this hearing, he fully admitted to the breach and pleaded guilty.
As a result, he was remanded in custody while authorities process his case further.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the vigilant efforts of law enforcement to monitor and prevent potential harm from known offenders in community events.
