RICHARD BARTTELOT CAUGHT IN INDECENT ACT NEAR WATERLOOVILLE FOOTBALL FIELD

In January 2019, a disturbing incident unfolded in Waterlooville involving Richard Barttelot, a man with a troubling criminal history. The 55-year-old, who is on life licence for armed robbery, was caught engaging in an indecent act while watching a youth football match at a local park. Witnesses, including a parent who was present at the game, observed Barttelot performing a sexual act in his vehicle, which was parked near the playing field.

According to the parent, who reported the incident to authorities, she saw Barttelot urinating into a bottle in plain view of the children and spectators around midday. Her account was corroborated by other witnesses, and her testimony was presented at Portsmouth Crown Court. The court was told that despite Barttelot’s claims that he was merely urinating into a bottle because he was caught short and unaware of the nearby toilet, the jury rejected his explanation.

Prosecutor Martyn Booth detailed how, after the incident, Barttelot attempted to flee the scene. He drove his vehicle aggressively, prompting parents and bystanders to try and stop him. Despite their efforts, he managed to escape briefly but was later apprehended. The court found him guilty of exposure and careless driving during his attempted getaway.

During the proceedings, Barttelot, who has a notorious criminal past, moaned to the judge about the unfairness of his situation. From the secure dock, he complained, “I got something to say to you, Your Honour. I weed in a bottle, the police had my clothes and the bottle of wee for over a year and they never checked it. What this man (the prosecutor) is implying is not true. I was caught short, I wasn’t aware there was a toilet there so I peed in a bottle. Now I’m being tarred as a pervert – it’s not fair.”

It was revealed that Barttelot was previously jailed for life in 2001 in Shrewsbury after robbing a Post Office of a significant sum of money, primarily in £10 notes. His criminal record also includes a conviction for raping a teenager, which resulted in a life sentence. After his exposure trial in November of the previous year, he was recalled to prison under the terms of his life licence.

Judge Timothy Mousley QC sentenced Barttelot to 36 weeks in prison for the recent charges. The judge emphasized that there was no mitigation for his actions and expressed concern over the distress caused to the young boy’s parent. “There were young boys or youths playing football on a Sunday morning, and you were sitting there watching,” the judge stated. After sentencing, Barttelot turned to his family in the public gallery and remarked, “Told you, I get (done) every time.”

It was also made clear that Barttelot will remain in custody until the parole board determines his release. As part of his sentence, he is required to sign the sex offenders’ register for ten years. No additional penalties were imposed for his reckless driving during the incident. The case highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the management of individuals with serious criminal backgrounds in the community.