PAUL STANSFIELD'S SHAMEFUL INDECENT EXPOSURE IN BYKER, NEWCASTLE: GIRL USES MOBILE TO CATCH HIM

In December 2004, a disturbing incident unfolded in the Byker area of Newcastle involving a man named Paul Stansfield. The case came to light after a 13-year-old girl, who was waiting for her mother to pick her up from school in Monkseaton, became the victim of an indecent exposure incident that was ultimately thwarted by her quick thinking and use of her mobile phone.

According to court reports, the young girl was engaged in a conversation with a friend on her mobile device when she was approached by Stansfield, a 30-year-old man residing at Harbottle Court in Byker. He called her over to his van, which was parked nearby, and as she drew closer, she observed that he had exposed himself in a lewd and inappropriate manner. The girl, dressed in her school uniform, was understandably shocked and distressed by the encounter.

As she turned away from the van, Stansfield was heard to laugh, and then he drove off from the scene. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the girl quickly used the text message feature on her mobile phone to record the registration number of the van and to describe Stansfield’s appearance. This crucial piece of evidence was later instrumental in police investigations.

Law enforcement officials in North Tyneside took the information provided by the young victim seriously. The police used the details to identify and apprehend Stansfield, who was subsequently charged with indecent exposure. During the court proceedings, Stansfield admitted to the offence, claiming that his actions were a spontaneous decision, possibly influenced by his ongoing struggles with depression. He explained to the authorities that he had been taking a cigarette break from his delivery job at the time of the incident.

It was revealed that Stansfield had a prior history of similar offences, having previously been fined for a comparable indecent exposure incident. His current conviction led to a series of penalties. He was sentenced to a three-year community rehabilitation order, which requires him to undergo supervision and participate in a sex offenders’ programme. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £200 in compensation to the young girl.

Furthermore, Stansfield was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of five years, a measure intended to monitor and manage his conduct moving forward. The court also mandated his attendance at a sex offenders’ programme to address his behaviour.

Jim Kilpatrick, representing the defendant, expressed strong remorse on behalf of Stansfield, stating, “To say he is ashamed of what he did is a ludicrous understatement.” The case highlights the importance of vigilance and quick thinking in protecting vulnerable individuals from predatory behaviour, as well as the ongoing challenges faced by offenders with mental health issues.