THOMAS POWELL EXPOSES HIMSELF IN ELLESMERE PORT: SHOCKING INCIDENTS LEAVE TEENAGE GIRLS TRAUMATIZED

In July 2021, a disturbing series of incidents involving Thomas Powell, a known sex offender from Ellesmere Port, culminated in his sentencing after a series of alarming exposures to teenage girls in the town. The case, which unfolded over a three-day trial at Chester Crown Court, revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that has left the victims deeply affected.

Thomas James Powell, aged 30 and residing on Wilkinson Street, was found guilty by a jury of intentionally exposing himself on two separate occasions in 2019. The jury's unanimous verdict confirmed that Powell's actions targeted vulnerable girls aged 16 or under, raising serious concerns about his conduct and the safety of young residents in Ellesmere Port.

The prosecution, led by Ryan Rothwell, detailed the circumstances of the offenses, which involved three victims: a 16-year-old girl and two 14-year-old girls. For legal reasons, none of the victims can be publicly named. It was established that the 16-year-old girl did not know the two younger girls, and vice versa, indicating that Powell's offenses were not isolated to a single acquaintance or social circle.

The first incident occurred in broad daylight in May 2019. The victim was pushing a relative’s baby in a pram along St Andrews Road when Powell approached her on his bicycle. Riding towards her, he then went behind her and made a disturbing remark, saying, “I think you might want to see this.” The girl turned around to see Powell had exposed himself, with a “weird smirk” on his face. She responded with a dirty look, told him “no,” and quickly moved away before contacting the police to report the incident.

Two months later, in the evening, Powell struck again. This time, he approached two girls who were on their way to a fast-food restaurant. The girls had previously seen Powell pass by on his bike, dressed in a long coat with a fur-rimmed hood. Without warning, Powell approached from behind and again exposed himself to both of them. One of the girls later expressed her disgust and confusion, stating she could not understand why someone would do such a thing to girls of their age and felt “disgusted” by his actions.

Approximately an hour after the second incident, one of the girls entered the Ohri Convenience Store on Bunbury Green and was surprised to find Powell there with his bicycle. She immediately informed her friend, who had been recounting the earlier events to a woman in a takeaway shop. The three then entered the store together. CCTV footage captured a brief interaction between Powell and the woman, after which Powell rode off on his bike.

During court proceedings, Powell claimed to his defense barrister, Simon Parry, that he was being threatened at the time. He alleged that he was accused of “being a paedophile,” and that a group of “lads” was present, threatening to steal his bicycle. However, prosecutor Rothwell pointed out that CCTV footage showed no evidence of any such group being present either inside or outside the store. When asked why he had not contacted the police or told anyone about the threats, Powell responded that there was “no point” in speaking about something he claimed he had not done.

All three girls positively identified Powell during an identification parade, confirming his involvement in the incidents. On July 9, 2021, Powell appeared before Chester Crown Court for sentencing. Victim impact statements were read aloud, revealing the profound effect the incidents had on the girls. One victim described how she had seen someone resembling Powell in the street since the offenses and had “frozen in panic,” which worsened her existing anxiety and made her feel “vulnerable” and “on edge.”

Another victim shared that she no longer felt safe going out alone and was “on high alert,” especially after seeing Powell twice more in public. She expressed feeling as though she was being punished for what Powell had done. The third girl described her feelings of sickness and fear, stating that Powell’s actions had made her avoid the area altogether, feeling unsafe and distressed.

Judge Berkson delivered the sentence, emphasizing the lasting impact such offenses have on victims. He acknowledged that while these crimes are often short-lived in occurrence, their psychological effects can endure for years. The judge noted that Powell showed no remorse during the trial and that, despite having no previous convictions for sexual offenses, he had experienced childhood and developmental difficulties. Nonetheless, the court found that there was a “realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”

As a result, Powell was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete a two-year community order, which includes 20 days of rehabilitation activities and 200 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, Powell was placed on the sex offenders register for seven years and was subject to a seven-year restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting any of his victims in any way. The court’s ruling aims to prevent further harm and ensure the safety of the community in Ellesmere Port.