JOHN MITCHELL FROM SEVENOAKS SENTENCED FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR IN WAITROSE
| Red Rose Database
Sevenoaks Sexual Abuser
In April 2017, a disturbing incident occurred at the Waitrose supermarket located on Sevenoaks High Street, involving John Mitchell, a 53-year-old man from Milton Road, Dunton Green. CCTV footage captured Mitchell bending down and positioning his mobile phone beneath the skirt of an eight-year-old girl, an act that raised serious concerns about his intentions and conduct in a public space.
Following the incident, Mitchell was identified and subsequently brought to court. He faced charges of outraging public decency, a serious offense that involves lewd or obscene behavior in a public setting. During the trial at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court, Mitchell denied the allegations, claiming he had not engaged in any inappropriate activity. However, the evidence presented was compelling enough to convict him.
On the day of sentencing, the magistrates sentenced Mitchell to a three-month prison term, which was suspended for a year. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work. As part of the court’s protective measures, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed, restricting Mitchell’s behavior for five years. He was also required to participate in a 25-day rehabilitation program aimed at addressing behavioral issues related to sexual misconduct.
Furthermore, Mitchell was ordered to pay court costs amounting to £715. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such offenses are treated, especially when they involve minors and occur in public spaces like supermarkets, which are meant to be safe environments for families and children.
Prior to this incident, Mitchell’s conduct was not known to the authorities, as he has no previous convictions or warnings. The case was further supported by witness testimonies, including a schoolgirl from Sevenoaks School, who described observing Mitchell in a suspicious manner near the service desk. She recounted seeing him lean forward and lower his body close to a young girl, holding a black phone and appearing to take a photo. Her account was corroborated by CCTV footage and police investigations.
Police reviewed the footage and identified Mitchell leaving the store shortly after the incident. They arrested him at his residence before midnight and seized his phone, which contained images of the store floor taken on the day of the offense and the day prior. The police noted that it was unclear whether Mitchell successfully captured any images or if he had deleted them.
Mitchell’s defense argued that he was using his phone to look at something else, claiming he was tying his shoelaces when the police arrived. Despite his claims, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of outraging public decency. Mitchell chose not to testify during the trial, and the magistrates deliberated for over an hour before reaching their verdict.
Sentencing was scheduled for March 7, 2017, and Mitchell was released on unconditional bail pending the final decision. The case highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the importance of vigilance in protecting children from inappropriate behavior in everyday settings like supermarkets in Sevenoaks.
Following the incident, Mitchell was identified and subsequently brought to court. He faced charges of outraging public decency, a serious offense that involves lewd or obscene behavior in a public setting. During the trial at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court, Mitchell denied the allegations, claiming he had not engaged in any inappropriate activity. However, the evidence presented was compelling enough to convict him.
On the day of sentencing, the magistrates sentenced Mitchell to a three-month prison term, which was suspended for a year. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work. As part of the court’s protective measures, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed, restricting Mitchell’s behavior for five years. He was also required to participate in a 25-day rehabilitation program aimed at addressing behavioral issues related to sexual misconduct.
Furthermore, Mitchell was ordered to pay court costs amounting to £715. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such offenses are treated, especially when they involve minors and occur in public spaces like supermarkets, which are meant to be safe environments for families and children.
Prior to this incident, Mitchell’s conduct was not known to the authorities, as he has no previous convictions or warnings. The case was further supported by witness testimonies, including a schoolgirl from Sevenoaks School, who described observing Mitchell in a suspicious manner near the service desk. She recounted seeing him lean forward and lower his body close to a young girl, holding a black phone and appearing to take a photo. Her account was corroborated by CCTV footage and police investigations.
Police reviewed the footage and identified Mitchell leaving the store shortly after the incident. They arrested him at his residence before midnight and seized his phone, which contained images of the store floor taken on the day of the offense and the day prior. The police noted that it was unclear whether Mitchell successfully captured any images or if he had deleted them.
Mitchell’s defense argued that he was using his phone to look at something else, claiming he was tying his shoelaces when the police arrived. Despite his claims, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of outraging public decency. Mitchell chose not to testify during the trial, and the magistrates deliberated for over an hour before reaching their verdict.
Sentencing was scheduled for March 7, 2017, and Mitchell was released on unconditional bail pending the final decision. The case highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the importance of vigilance in protecting children from inappropriate behavior in everyday settings like supermarkets in Sevenoaks.