PHILIP BAXENDALE SHOCKS SOUTHPORT WITH CRIME NEAR GREENBANK HIGH SCHOOL

In March 2015, a disturbing incident unfolded in Southport that drew significant public and legal attention. Philip Baxendale, a 65-year-old resident of Southport, was caught engaging in inappropriate behavior outside Greenbank High School for Girls, located in Hillside. The incident involved Baxendale exposing himself and engaging in masturbation in his vehicle, which was parked along Hastings Road, a short distance from the school premises.

Initially, Baxendale denied the allegations, claiming that he was relieving himself in his car due to a medical condition that caused him to need frequent urination. He argued that he chose the location because it was less likely to result in damage to his vehicle compared to the nearby Hillside train station, which was closer to his home on Everard Road. His explanation was presented during the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, where he faced charges of exposure.

However, the evidence against Baxendale was compelling. The court heard that he committed the offenses on two separate occasions in February of the previous year, specifically on the 6th and 13th. The first incident was witnessed by a teenage girl walking to school shortly after 8 a.m., who immediately reported the sighting to school staff. She observed Baxendale’s car and later saw it again that day, recording its registration number. The second incident involved another girl passing by Baxendale’s vehicle, who also saw him masturbating. She took a photograph of his car, capturing the registration details.

Following the second report, police traced the vehicle back to Baxendale’s residence on Everard Road. That evening, officers arrested him. During questioning, Baxendale admitted that he had parked his car near the school but maintained that his actions were due to his medical condition. He explained to authorities that he used a flask or bottle inside his vehicle to manage his frequent urination. The court noted that the second incident occurred during a period when Hillside train station was not operational due to engineering works, which Baxendale claimed he had forgotten despite the public notices.

The victims’ families expressed their distress and disappointment. The mother of the first girl stated that her daughter was reluctant to travel alone by train after the incident and was upset that Baxendale denied the allegations. She described her daughter as breaking down and sobbing while preparing to give evidence. Similarly, the mother of the second girl described her daughter’s recounting of the event as “disgusting” and admitted to suffering sleepless nights. She expressed her hope that Baxendale felt shame for what he had put her daughter through.

Throughout the proceedings, Baxendale was noted to have no prior criminal record. His defense lawyer, Simon Berkson, emphasized Baxendale’s previously good character and the shock experienced by his family. He highlighted the impact the case had on Baxendale himself, describing him as “a shadow of his former self.”

Judge Brian Lewis delivered the verdict, stating that Baxendale’s claim of non-sexual motivation was not credible and that the impact on the victims was “appalling.” The judge emphasized that Baxendale had tarnished his reputation and brought disgrace upon himself and his family. Despite this, he sentenced Baxendale to 38 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, Baxendale was ordered to complete a two-year supervision program and adhere to a four-month home curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. The judge also imposed a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, prohibiting Baxendale from approaching within 100 meters of any school, and mandated that he register as a sex offender for ten years.