CRAMINGTON PERVERT MICHAEL COWELL EXPOSES HIMSELF THREE TIMES IN COCKERMOUTH

In a disturbing series of incidents, Michael Cowell, a 28-year-old man from Cramlington, was caught committing three separate acts of indecent exposure during a visit to the town of Cockermouth in West Cumbria on Monday, April 13. The court proceedings revealed the distress caused to his victims, which included a teenage girl, a woman in her 20s, and another woman in her 40s, all of whom were left deeply shaken and disturbed by Cowell’s actions.

According to court reports, the first incident occurred at approximately 3:15 pm when Cowell was in his white works van parked in Cockermouth. The prosecutor, Hanifa Patel, explained that Cowell, with his window rolled down, beckoned a woman to approach and then exposed his genitals to her, making a lewd comment: “Excuse me love – have a look at this.” This initial act of indecency was followed by two more offences within a span of just 15 minutes, including an incident near the town’s Sainsbury’s store where Cowell exited his van and stood in front of a schoolgirl walking past, exposing himself once again.

The youngest victim, a 16-year-old girl, expressed her feelings of anger and vulnerability, stating, “I felt angry at him. I didn’t deserve this… I now feel wary of men and reluctant to walk near them.” Her words underscore the emotional trauma inflicted by Cowell’s repeated misconduct.

During the court hearing, Cowell admitted to all three offences. His defense lawyer, Jeff Smith of Wallasey Drive, The Fairways, Cramlington, argued that Cowell’s actions stemmed from low self-esteem and that he did not derive sexual satisfaction from his behaviour, expressing remorse for his conduct. However, the court was informed that Cowell had a prior conviction in 2015 for similar behaviour, where he was jailed for a year after approaching girls aged between 13 and 16 in his van and offering them money for sex.

Judge Nicholas Barker, presiding over the case, sentenced Cowell to five years on a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered that his name be added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. The judge considered, but ultimately decided against, banning Cowell from driving, despite both offences involving his white van. He explained that removing Cowell’s driving license would not aid in his rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of addressing the underlying issues rather than solely punishing the mode of transportation.

In his remarks, Judge Barker highlighted the predatory nature of Cowell’s previous and current offences, indicating the seriousness with which the court viewed his actions and their impact on the victims. The case underscores ongoing concerns about public safety and the importance of strict legal measures to prevent such disturbing behaviour from recurring.