BARRY PETTET SHOCKS BACUP WITH INDECENT ACT NEAR SCHOOLBOY

In July 2013, a disturbing incident unfolded in the town of Bacup involving local resident Barry Pettet, aged 68, who committed an act of public indecency that shocked the community. The incident came to light when Pettet was caught in a highly inappropriate situation by his next-door neighbor, leading to his subsequent arrest and legal proceedings at Burnley Crown Court.

According to court reports, the neighbor, who was understandably horrified by what she witnessed, observed Pettet in a state of partial undress while engaging in an indecent act. The neighbor had been concerned after hearing her partner’s account of Pettet talking to a young boy in the back street near their homes on Dale Street. Acting on her suspicions, she quickly went upstairs and looked out of her bedroom window, where she saw Pettet standing at the top step of his backyard, close to the garden gate. He was wearing only a vest-type top and was performing an indecent act on himself, directed towards a young boy who was standing approximately ten feet away in the street.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, the neighbor immediately banged on her window to alert Pettet. Upon noticing her, Pettet appeared shocked, turned around, and looked up, nearly losing his balance and rushing back into his house. The neighbor’s quick action prompted her to call the police, who arrived shortly thereafter to arrest Pettet.

During police questioning, Pettet admitted to the act, claiming that the boy was not able to see him clearly and that his yard was private property. He stated that he had been talking to the child about football and insisted that he was not attracted to young boys. Pettet also claimed that he had no intention of being seen and that he was sober at the time, fully aware of his actions. He expressed remorse for any upset caused and stated that he had learned his lesson.

Legal proceedings revealed that Pettet had no prior convictions. He was remanded in custody for 17 days for his own protection, during which his property was vandalized with graffiti, including the word ‘paedo’ painted on his backyard. The court heard that Pettet was subsequently sentenced to a 12-month community order for committing an act that outraged public decency on July 1.

As part of his sentence, Pettet was banned from entering Bacup, and arrangements were made for him to reside elsewhere. The court also imposed restrictions preventing him from entering any garden, yard, or communal area attached to his previous address unless dressed appropriately. Recorder Anthony Cross, QC, emphasized the seriousness of Pettet’s behavior, stating, “You can't walk around half-naked in the street.”

Prosecutor Stephen Parker highlighted the details of the incident, emphasizing the neighbor’s concern and the defendant’s subsequent arrest. The court condemned Pettet’s conduct as disgraceful, especially given the presence of a young boy, and made clear that such behavior would not be tolerated in the community of Bacup.