PAUL BRADSHAW FROM RAMSBOTTOM SHOCKS LOCALS WITH INDECENT BEHAVIOR AT LOCAL WINE BAR

In April 2019, a disturbing incident unfolded at a popular wine bar in Ramsbottom involving Paul Bradshaw, a 39-year-old ex-soldier with a troubling past. The event drew significant attention from both patrons and law enforcement, highlighting concerns about public decency and the behavior of individuals with prior convictions.

According to reports, Bradshaw, who had been dismissed from the British Army in 2017 due to attempts to create indecent images of children, was seen engaging in highly inappropriate conduct at Hoysters, a well-frequented establishment in Ramsbottom. The incident occurred during the evening hours, specifically on January 25th of the previous year, when Bradshaw was observed sitting alone by a window, seemingly intoxicated.

Staff members at the bar became increasingly wary of his presence as he sat there. A waitress noticed his unusual behavior and alerted a chef working in the kitchen. The chef then approached Bradshaw and was shocked to see that he had his trousers open and was engaged in a sexual act. Despite being confronted and told to leave, Bradshaw refused to cease his actions. The chef, in an effort to prevent further disturbance, physically escorted him out of the premises. During this confrontation, Bradshaw's genitalia remained exposed, causing alarm among the staff and patrons.

Following his removal from the bar, Bradshaw was seen lingering outside the window for a brief period before law enforcement officers arrived to arrest him. Police investigations revealed that Bradshaw had a history of sexual offenses, including attempts to produce indecent images of children, which led to his dismissal from the army and his placement on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.

During police interviews, Bradshaw admitted that he could not recall the incident at Hoysters, attributing his behavior to being heavily intoxicated. He expressed remorse for his actions, stating he did not intend to offend anyone. However, the evidence, including CCTV footage, confirmed his involvement in the indecent act.

At Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, Bradshaw pleaded guilty to outraging public decency. The judge, John Potter, sentenced him to a two-year community order and mandated that he participate in a Sex Offenders treatment program. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offense, noting that Bradshaw's previous convictions for sexual misconduct and his role as a former serviceman in a position of trust made his actions particularly egregious.

Judge Potter remarked, “For reasons unknown, you inexplicably decided to masturbate in the view of staff. Men and women who worked there were understandably concerned by that activity. You were approached and told to leave, yet you continued until the chef intervened. You remained outside, loitering, and were arrested shortly thereafter. Your prior convictions for attempting to make indecent images of children and your dismissal from the army underscore the seriousness of your behavior. You are someone who clearly needs help from the system. Your service to your country is noted, but it does not excuse your conduct.”

This incident has raised questions about the behavior of individuals with criminal pasts and the importance of monitoring those on the Sex Offenders Register, especially when they are in public spaces. The community in Ramsbottom remains concerned about safety and the need for ongoing vigilance to prevent such disturbing incidents from recurring.