PAUL LOVATT SENTENCED IN STOKE-ON-TRENT FOR INDECENT EXPOSURE INCIDENT
Paul Lovatt, aged 40, from Richard Dawson Drive, Bucknall, was convicted of exposing himself to a female cyclist in Hanley and was sentenced at North Staffordshire Justice Centre.The incident occurred on August 26 around 5.20 pm, when the victim, cycling home from work, noticed a vehicle behind her that appeared to be trying to overtake but was moving slowly.
As she moved aside to get out of the way, Lovatt, who was driving a car, pulled alongside her with the passenger side window down, and asked for directions to King Street.
During this interaction, Lovatt performed a sex act and exposed himself to the cyclist.
Horrified, the woman shouted at him, calling him a "disgusting pervert." As Lovatt drove away, she discreetly noted his vehicle registration number while calling police.
Subsequently, the defendant returned to the scene and attempted to apologise, saying, "I'm sorry love, sorry about that," multiple times before driving off again.
Emma Thompson, prosecuting, explained, "The victim had her phone out to call the police and was chanting his registration number so she wouldn't forget.
She saw his vehicle return, and he apologized to her, then drove away." Lovatt was later arrested and admitted to the offence, describing it as a 'stupid thing' he had done, citing an attraction to the victim.
The victim provided a statement expressing her feelings of violation and concern that the offender might target others.
In court, Lovatt pleaded guilty to counts of indecent exposure.
His legal representative, Peter Howland, mentioned Lovatt’s struggles with anxiety and depression, for which he was receiving treatment, and noted he had ended his part-time employment following the incident.
Magistrates considered sending him to prison but ultimately decided on a community order.
Chair of the bench, Helen Paterson, stated, "This was a serious matter.
Although you showed remorse, your actions caused distress.
While monetary compensation cannot undo this, we will order you to pay £400 to the victim." Lovatt was sentenced to a 24-month community order, including a 56-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 200 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay £400 in compensation to the victim, along with £280 in court costs and charges.
