EDWARD KENT BRIGHTON PRESTON PARK FLASHER SENTENCED FOR EXPOSING HIMSELF TO SCHOOLGIRLS
In March 2019, a disturbing series of incidents involving a man named Edward Kent, known locally as the "Preston Park Flasher," came to light in Brighton.Over a span of more than two years, Kent engaged in a pattern of inappropriate and criminal behavior, targeting schoolgirls in Preston Park and the surrounding areas.
According to court records, Kent was responsible for exposing himself to a total of 38 young girls, many of whom were simply walking home from school.
The victims, whose ages ranged from 12 to 17, reported feeling deeply traumatized by the encounters.
Several expressed that the incidents had left them feeling unsafe and anxious about walking alone, especially in the familiar surroundings of Brighton’s parks and public spaces.
Kent’s criminal activities came to a halt in January when he was spotted fleeing from a plainclothes police officer.
The officer had observed him approaching two schoolgirls and attempted to intervene.
During the chase, a man pursued by the officer managed to evade capture initially, but was eventually stopped when a bystander, a man who happened to be nearby, chased after him and helped detain him.
This intervention proved crucial in apprehending Kent.
Following his arrest, Kent was held in custody from January 17 and faced a series of charges at Brighton Crown Court.
He pleaded guilty to 16 counts of exposure and two additional counts of engaging in a sexual act in the presence of a minor.
The court proceedings revealed the extent of his misconduct, which spanned from November 1, 2016, to January 10, 2019.
In response to the case, authorities issued an appeal in October of the previous year, releasing a photograph of Kent in an effort to locate him and gather further evidence.
Investigator Rose Horan commended the victims for their maturity and bravery, noting that they reported the incidents promptly, providing police with detailed accounts, sketches, maps, and photographic evidence that were instrumental in building the case against him.
Horan emphasized the community effort involved in bringing Kent to justice, highlighting that the father of one of the victims played a key role in intercepting and helping to detain him during his arrest.
She expressed hope that the sentence would serve to reassure the victims and help them begin to recover from the trauma inflicted by Kent’s actions.
As part of his sentencing, Kent was ordered to stay away from parks in Brighton and Hove for the next five years.
The court also imposed a curfew, requiring him to remain indoors between 7 pm and 6 am for the following three months.
Additionally, he was sentenced to complete 150 hours of unpaid community service and attend 30 sessions of sex offender rehabilitation.
These measures aim to prevent further incidents and support his reintegration into society under strict supervision.
