STEPHEN FULLERTON'S SHOCKING MOLESTATION IN MORPETH: A CRIME THAT SHOCKED THE COMMUNITY

In September 2020, a disturbing incident unfolded in Morpeth, Northumberland, involving a local man named Stephen Fullerton, who committed a series of indecent acts that left the community in shock and fear.

Fullerton, aged 63, was caught engaging in highly inappropriate and illegal behavior right in front of schoolchildren passing by his residence. Witnesses, including students and a schoolteacher, reported seeing him naked and groping his crotch area through the window of his home, which is situated in a residential area of Morpeth. The children, who were simply walking past, were left feeling 'shocked and appalled' by the sight of Fullerton's actions.

The incident came to light after pupils alerted a teacher about Fullerton’s 'disgusting behaviour.' Upon investigation, the teacher also observed Fullerton masturbating openly at his property. Despite being arrested and released under investigation, Fullerton did not cease his offending behavior. The court heard that he continued to commit similar acts even after initial police intervention.

It was revealed during proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court that Fullerton had a prior conviction from 2009 for making indecent images of children, indicating a troubling history of sexual misconduct. His recent offences, which occurred between March and May of the previous year, involved multiple instances of public indecency, specifically targeting the time when a 'parade of children' was expected to pass by his home.

One of the most alarming incidents involved a teenage girl who saw Fullerton masturbating approximately a meter and a half away from his window. On another occasion, she observed him again while she was with a friend. Prosecutor Lewis Kerr described the scene, stating, 'He had his hand behind one of his knees holding his leg up and spreading them.'

Further disturbing details emerged when a schoolteacher went to investigate after hearing reports. The teacher saw Fullerton wearing a dark shirt and a bobble hat, but notably, he was naked from the waist down, sitting in his living room and rocking back and forth while groping his genitals.

Fullerton was subsequently arrested but was released under investigation. Despite this, he continued his inappropriate behaviour, which was witnessed by another girl who saw him naked with his leg straddling a table and engaging in similar acts.

A victim impact statement from a teenage girl expressed her profound distress, stating, 'I’m shocked and appalled by what has happened. At the time I couldn’t face speaking to anyone about it. I was having difficulty concentrating due to the thought this man would be there again and I would have to see his disgusting behaviour.'

In court, Judge Julie Clemitson sentenced Fullerton to a four-month prison term, suspended for two years. He pleaded guilty to three counts of outraging public decency and one count of exposure. Additionally, he was fined £1,000 and ordered to complete a sex offenders treatment programme. The judge emphasized the ongoing risk Fullerton posed, stating, 'Fullerton presents a risk to children which needs to be addressed if children are to be protected from you.'

This case highlights the serious nature of sexual misconduct and the importance of community vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from repeat offenders in Morpeth.