MICHAEL LEE SENTENCED IN HULL FOR PUBLIC INDECENCY INCIDENT
A serial flasher named Michael Lee, age 38, from The Crossings, Great Union Street, Hull, was sentenced after a daylight incident where he exposed himself to a woman in Hull city centre.Lee, who has a prior history of flashing conduct—including more serious cases involving minors—pulled down his trousers and sat on the pavement, displaying his private parts to a woman walking to work.
The Hull Crown Court heard that Lee had previously served prison sentences related to similar offenses.
Prosecutor Richard Thompson stated that at around 8:50 a.m., the victim was walking along Freetown Way after parking her car in the city centre.
She noticed Lee sitting on the pavement, describing him as wary due to his suspicious behavior and appearance.
He approached her and asked if she had spare change, during which he was seen exposing himself, with all his private parts visible.
Mr.
Thompson explained, "It looked as if he had pulled his trousers down and was holding the waistband of his trousers to expose himself." The woman was initially shocked and frightened by the sight but continued walking to avoid engaging further.
She also observed him smiling at her before she left the scene and called him a "dirty b*****d".
The incident lasted only a few seconds, after which she spoke to a colleague at work and contacted police.
She mentioned that she has since chosen to park closer to her workplace, although this incurs additional costs, and expressed concerns about the potential impact on her confidence, especially in quiet areas.
Lee’s criminal record includes three previous convictions for exposure, and he previously served a six-month jail sentence at Hull Magistrates Court in 2006, shortly after his release from another prison term.
Mitigating on behalf of Lee, Cathy Kioko-Gilligan stated that he has a troubled history and that a 19-page pre-sentence report painted a negative picture, indicating difficulty in finding ways to help him.
Judge Mark Bury remarked, "You clearly have some serious issues that need to be urgently addressed because, unless they are addressed, I can see you committing more of this type of offence." Although this latest incident was less severe than some of Lee’s past offenses—particularly because no children were involved and no sex acts were committed—he was sentenced to 14 months in prison.
As Lee had already served time in custody, he was expected to be released shortly under what is known as ‘time served’.
Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.
