MARDELL PENNANT'S SHAMEFUL PUBLIC EXPOSURES IN NOTTINGHAM REVEALED

In July 2011, a disturbing case unfolded in Nottingham involving Mardell Junior Pennant, a man whose repeated indecent acts in public have shocked the local community and prompted serious legal action. The court heard that Pennant, aged 22, had a troubling pattern of exposing himself in public places within Nottingham, even after serving time in prison for similar offences.

According to court records, Pennant was responsible for three separate incidents of public exposure, each accompanied by indecent acts. These acts took place shortly after his release from incarceration, highlighting a troubling cycle of behaviour. During his arrest, Pennant was heard to tell a police officer, “Someone needs to help. I need help. I just can’t stop doing it. Jail just doesn’t help. No one helps,” revealing his awareness of his ongoing problem but also his sense of helplessness.

The most recent incidents occurred on March 23 along the Beeston Canal, a popular area in Nottingham. Witnesses reported that Pennant was riding his bicycle behind a female jogger, less than a metre away. As she looked behind her, she saw Pennant performing an indecent act. Fearing for her safety, she increased her pace and ran into a nearby shop. From inside, she observed Pennant pulling down his jogging bottoms to expose himself. This distressing event was not isolated; another witness saw Pennant running “uncomfortably close” to a young woman, who has not been identified, and also saw him exposing himself.

Earlier, on February 23, Pennant was seen outside Equinox House in the Island Business Quarter, near London Road. A security guard observed him riding a mountain bike into the shared car park. The guard activated the security camera, capturing footage of Pennant with his hands down his trousers, looking up at the building. Pennant later explained to police that he was looking at a woman on her phone, but the evidence and his history made his guilt clear.

Authorities quickly linked Pennant to these incidents due to his extensive criminal record, which includes nine previous allegations of exposure. During police interviews, he admitted to performing an indecent act during all three recent incidents. He expressed remorse but also claimed that an internal urge compelled him to act, indicating a possible ongoing psychological issue.

Pennant, who resides at St Saviour’s Gardens, The Meadows, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent exposure. His criminal history is notable; he previously served 18 months in a young offenders’ institution for his involvement in a fatal attack on Kamal Raza Butt, a father of four, in 2005. His latest sentencing was handed down by Judge Jonathan Teare at Nottingham Crown Court, who sentenced him to two and a half years in prison.

Judge Teare emphasized the importance of protecting the public from Pennant’s behaviour, stating, “I have to try and make sure that the public are protected from your behaviour.” The court also noted that Pennant has a particular focus on young women, raising concerns about his pattern of targeting vulnerable individuals.

In mitigation, the court heard that Pennant comes from a troubled background and is eager to seek help and change his ways. It was also revealed that in January 2010, he was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to two counts of exposure, though his sentence was halved on appeal in July of that year. Despite his previous imprisonment, Pennant’s repeated offences underscore the ongoing challenge of addressing his behaviour and ensuring community safety.