PAUL COLLINS EXPOSES HIMSELF OUTSIDE BRADFORD NURSERY IN IDLE AND IS SENTENCED TO HOSPITAL ORDER

In December 2011, a disturbing incident involving Paul Collins, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, took place outside a nursery school in Bradford, specifically near Wesley House Day Nursery located on Cross Road in the Idle area. Collins, aged 50, was caught in a highly inappropriate act when he pulled down his trousers and exposed himself to a woman who was nearby, visibly terrified by his actions. The incident occurred just yards from the nursery, while a young child was playing on the grass close by, heightening the severity and distress caused by his behavior.

At the time of this incident, Collins was already on police bail, having been accused of breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) issued by Bradford magistrates on December 1, 2008. This order was originally put in place following his previous conviction in 1985 for indecently assaulting both a boy and a girl. Collins resides at Gerrard House, Fairhaven Green, in the Thorpe Edge area of Bradford.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching the Sexual Offences Prevention Order and to the charge of indecent exposure. His case was subsequently sent to the Crown Court for sentencing. During the hearing, Judge Jonathan Rose made a significant decision, ordering Collins to be detained indefinitely in a secure hospital under the provisions of the Mental Health Act. This order will remain in effect until medical professionals determine that he no longer poses a serious risk to the public.

Court reports revealed that Collins had already been admitted to a mental health facility from Leeds Prison. Medical assessments described him as a recurrent sex offender who had not responded positively to community-based support programs. The reports also highlighted that Collins suffers from a learning disability and a personality disorder, with diagnosed tendencies towards fetishism and exhibitionism.

Prosecutor Emma Downing emphasized that the Sexual Offences Prevention Order explicitly prohibited Collins from being in the company of children or approaching schools. Despite these restrictions, Collins was observed on Sunday, June 19, by an off-duty probation officer attending a service at Holy Trinity Church in Idle. The officer noticed Collins among a group of approximately 16 young worshippers, including toddlers and children up to 12 years old. Collins helped himself to a drink and some biscuits and remained at the church for about 25 minutes before leaving after the officer made her presence known.

Further, on July 13, Collins was charged and released on bail after he was caught indecently exposing himself outside the same nursery school. The incident took place near a children’s play area outside the building. He was subsequently arrested the following day and held in custody.

During the court hearing, Judge Rose addressed Collins directly, stating, “You have an inability to control the particular urges that appear to drive you.” The judge emphasized the necessity of a prolonged period of treatment in a specialized mental health unit, warning that without such intervention, Collins would continue to pose a significant risk of serious harm to members of the public. The court proceedings underscored the seriousness of Collins’s actions and the ongoing concern regarding his mental health and potential danger to the community in Bradford.