STEVEN MOSS OF NORTHWICH EXPOSES HIMSELF TO WOMEN IN NEIGHBOURHOOD

In November 2018, a disturbing series of incidents involving Steven Moss, a resident of Northwich, unfolded in which he repeatedly exposed himself to women in his local area. Over the course of several months, Moss engaged in this inappropriate behavior on five separate occasions, causing significant distress to his victims and prompting legal action.

The incidents took place on January 27, April 8, April 15, June 3, and August 4 of that year. During each encounter, Moss would approach women in public spaces, reveal his genitals, and then quickly run away, leaving the victims shocked and frightened. These actions not only violated their personal safety but also instilled a lasting sense of insecurity within the community.

At Chester Crown Court, Moss, aged 31 and residing at Poole Field, Little Leigh, Northwich, appeared in court to face charges related to his conduct. The court heard that Moss’s behavior was bizarre and troubling, with Judge Steven Everett, the Recorder of Chester, expressing his dismay at the case. The judge remarked, “For reasons that are really mystifying, you suddenly decided to embark on this course of conduct for a period of time where you were running around in some sort of training kit and exposing yourself to women who were unfortunate enough to be walking in that same locality.”

In his sentencing, Moss was given a three-year community order. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for five years and to participate in a sex offenders treatment programme. During the hearing, Moss hung his head in the dock, acknowledging his actions, which the court described as deeply troubling.

The court was informed through a pre-sentence report prepared by the Probation Service that Moss had explained his behavior by claiming he was being “a bit of a tit” and insisted he did not derive any sexual pleasure from his actions. However, Judge Everett expressed skepticism about these claims, emphasizing that Moss appeared not to understand the gravity of his offending or the impact it had on his victims.

One of the women affected by Moss’s actions provided a victim impact statement, revealing that she no longer feels safe in her own neighborhood. The judge highlighted the emotional toll inflicted by Moss’s conduct, stating, “You were undoubtedly getting some sort of perverse sexual gratification from doing what you did. You really blighted their lives. What you did may have been very brief, but it’s had a truly long-lasting effect on them. It was a truly unpleasant and terrible incident for each of the victims. You gave no thought to that at all.”

Defense lawyer Adam Antoszkiw emphasized that Moss had accepted responsibility for his actions, expressed remorse, and had no previous convictions. It was also noted that Moss struggles with mental health issues and is currently working with the charity Mind to address these concerns. The Probation Service classified him as a ‘low risk of reoffending,’ which influenced the court’s decision.

As part of his community order, Moss is required to complete 35 days of rehabilitation activities and participate in the sex offenders treatment programme. The judge concluded by warning Moss about the potential consequences of further offending, stating, “You are fortunate not to be going to jail. I promise that if you went into prison for six months as a sex offender, then you would find life very hard.” The case underscores the serious nature of such misconduct and its lasting impact on victims and the community of Northwich.