RICHARD MCMAHON BURY SEX OFFENDER AND FLASHER TARGETS BURY AND RAWTENSTALL

In a disturbing series of incidents spanning several months, Richard McMahon, a 33-year-old man from Bury, has been convicted of multiple sexual offences involving flashing and groping young women and girls in the areas of Bacup, Rawtenstall, and Bury itself. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that caused significant distress and fear among the victims involved.

According to court reports, McMahon's offending began around February 2010, when he targeted two 14-year-old girls in Bacup. He exposed himself to them on separate occasions, engaging in acts that left the young victims feeling vulnerable and frightened. The court heard that he also approached a teenage girl at a bus stop, where he groped her and then exposed himself to her and her mother, further escalating his pattern of predatory conduct.

Approximately five months after these initial incidents, McMahon's actions continued in the vicinity of Rawtenstall. On September 4, he approached an 18-year-old woman at a bus stop in New Line, where he groped her and then exposed himself before fleeing the scene. The same day, the first two girls, who had previously been targeted, recognized McMahon in the area and promptly alerted police. Despite fleeing the scene, McMahon was identified and tracked down the following day at Rawtenstall Police Station, where he voluntarily appeared to give his account.

During his police interview, McMahon claimed that his car had been borrowed by a friend at the time of his arrest. A search of the vehicle uncovered five wraps of cocaine, which McMahon admitted had been purchased for use at a stag party. His criminal record includes prior convictions for similar offences, including six counts of exposure in 2005, for which he received a suspended sentence.

McMahon faced multiple charges, including three counts of exposure, one count of sexual assault, and possession of cocaine. He pleaded guilty to all charges. The court noted that his actions had caused victims considerable distress, embarrassment, and fear. McMahon, who had recently been residing on Newhaven Close in Bury, had spent 147 days in remand before sentencing.

In sentencing, Judge Anthony Russell, QC, emphasized the impact of McMahon's conduct on the victims, highlighting the emotional trauma inflicted. The court imposed a three-year community order, which includes three years of supervision, and mandated that McMahon attend a sex offender rehabilitation program. Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Prosecutor Hugh McKee detailed the sequence of events, including the incidents on April 29 of the previous year, when McMahon performed a sexual act in front of two friends near New Line at approximately 7:30 pm. The same day, he flashed at a girl and her mother, who arrived after being contacted by her daughter. The court also heard about the September 4 incident involving the 18-year-olds, and how the victims recognized McMahon and alerted authorities. The judge acknowledged the distress caused by McMahon's actions, noting the fear and embarrassment experienced by the victims.

Defence lawyer David Tempkin argued that McMahon, who had been abusing steroids, had not used violence or threats during his offences. The court's decision reflects the seriousness of his repeated misconduct and the need to protect the community from further harm.