GARY NORMAN'S REIGN OF TERROR ON GATESHEAD AND SACRISTON BUSES ENDS IN JAIL

In a series of disturbing incidents spanning several years, Gary Norman, a man with a troubling history of sexual misconduct, has once again been brought to justice following his recent appalling behavior on public buses in Sunderland, Gateshead, and Sacriston. Norman, aged 46, whose past includes multiple court appearances for similar offenses, was caught in the act of exposing himself and engaging in sexual acts in front of unsuspecting passengers, prompting a lengthy prison sentence and a renewed ban from public transportation.

Norman's latest offenses occurred just a week after his release from prison, where he had served time for previous misconduct. His actions on two separate buses in Sunderland shocked fellow travelers and led to his immediate arrest. The court heard that Norman had been previously banned from using buses and trains under a sexual harm prevention order, which has now been extended for an additional five years by Newcastle Crown Court.

The first incident took place in October 2017, during a journey towards Park Lane, Sunderland. Prosecutor Michael Bunch detailed that Norman had engaged a lone female passenger in brief conversation before sitting near her. As the journey progressed, the woman noticed Norman repeatedly looking in her direction. Suddenly, she observed him exposing his genitals and masturbating. As she prepared to disembark, Norman approached her from behind, having zipped his trousers back up. He then stood directly behind her and pressed himself against her, causing her to feel both frightened and violated.

Just three days later, Norman targeted a 17-year-old girl traveling alone on another bus. The court was told that the girl felt uncomfortable as Norman stared at her and appeared to attempt to watch her out of the corner of his eye. As the bus neared Chester Road, Sunderland, the girl saw Norman engaging in a sex act. She immediately shouted at him, calling him a pervert, and alerted the bus driver. The girl expressed her fear and anger, stating she was very upset by the incident. Norman then left the bus and headed towards the grounds of a nearby hospital. CCTV footage later confirmed his involvement in both incidents.

Norman admitted to the charges of exposure and was convicted of sexual assault related to the first bus incident. He also pleaded guilty to outraging public decency and breaching a sexual harm prevention order concerning the second incident. His criminal record includes multiple previous court appearances for similar offenses, highlighting a pattern of disturbing behavior.

Judge Amanda Rippon sentenced Norman to 31 months in prison and issued a new order extending his ban from public transport for the next five years. Due to time served on remand, Norman was to be released immediately. The judge emphasized the seriousness of his repeated offenses, stating, “You have at least six previous court appearances for exposure or outraging public decency and only been released a week before these offences were committed.” She warned that any future violations would result in up to five years imprisonment, underscoring the court’s resolve to prevent further harm.

Norman’s criminal history also includes a 2013 incident when he was jailed for committing a sex act on a bus from Durham in front of a teenage girl. At that time, he was placed under a three-year community supervision order, which included sex offender treatment. Norman’s past misconduct involved exposure to two girls at Gateshead Bus Interchange, failure to notify authorities of his whereabouts as a registered sex offender, and theft. His latest arrest and conviction mark a continued pattern of predatory behavior that has caused significant distress to victims and the community alike.

Norman, who has no fixed address, remains a dangerous individual whose actions have repeatedly violated public trust and safety. His case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict enforcement of sexual harm prevention measures and the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable members of society from repeat offenders.