LESLEY CROUCHER, OF BUCKLAND, FACES JAIL AFTER INCIDENT AT SOUTHSEA ROCK GARDENS
A disturbing case involving Leslie Croucher, 53, from Baythorn Close, Buckland, has resulted in a court proceedings after he exposed himself to a female jogger at Southsea Rock Gardens on April 4.The incident caused a community alert and a police campaign to locate him, which proved successful.
Croucher was identified and found a day after the police issued their appeal.
He initially denied any wrongdoing, but during his trial at Portsmouth Crown Court today, he pleaded guilty to the charge of exposure, marking a significant victory for law enforcement and the victim.
The court was informed that during the incident, Croucher rubbed his hand up and down while exposed, leaving the jogger shocked.
Fortunately, no contact was made, and she was unharmed.
The victim took to Facebook to share her experience, warning others and raising concern within the community.
During court proceedings, Hugh French, representing Croucher, commented, "It happened in an open area where families often go and walk.
It was aimed at (the victim)." Due to his refusal to admit guilt initially, the woman was called as a witness, though her involvement was limited to testimony before Croucher pleaded guilty.
Judge Recorder Adam Feest QC commended her for her help in bringing Croucher, who has a prior flashing conviction, before the court.
Croucher is set to be placed on the sex offenders register ahead of his sentencing scheduled for March 10, to allow for the completion of a pre-sentence report by probation services.
Judge Feest warned, "I will look at all options (including jail) and make no promises with the sentence.
My priority concern is to protect the public." He added, "Because of your plea you have to sign the sex offenders register.
If you fail to do so, it is a separate offence.
How long you are on the register depends on the sentence." Following the court appearance, the victim expressed her feelings, stating, "I just want to put it behind me now." Police, in their appeal last April, described the incident saying, "At 10am, a man indecently exposed himself to a woman jogging past Southsea Rock Gardens.
No contact was made with the woman and she wasn't hurt.
Officers have followed a number of lines of enquiry and are now turning to the public for help." Croucher has been granted unconditional bail and will be sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court next month.
