Ashington man handed community order after exposing himself to passing woman

ASHINGTON MAN HANDED COMMUNITY ORDER AFTER EXPOSING HIMSELF TO PASSING WOMAN

A man named Michael Thompson, aged 39, from Salisbury Close in Ashington, committed an indecent act in a parked car while staring directly at a passing woman.

The incident occurred early in the morning in Morpeth when the woman was on her way to work around 8:15 am on March 13, 2019.

She observed Thompson in the car performing a sex act, and he was staring at her during the act.

The victim was profoundly disturbed and reported the incident to the police, providing the vehicle registration number.

Thompson initially denied any wrongdoing, claiming he had spilled coffee at the time.

However, he later admitted exposure to the police.

During the court hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Thompson was sentenced to a two-year community order with requirements for rehabilitation and to undertake a sex offender treatment program.

He is also required to sign the sex offenders register for five years.

Judge Christopher Prince told him, "You sat in a car masturbating, staring at a woman who was walking past," adding that the woman was "profoundly disturbed" by his actions.

The defending lawyer expressed concern that Thompson's registration might affect his employment as a fire company manager.

Thompson's criminal record and recent court outcome highlight his conviction for public indecency and exposure.