Man Banned from Wearing Short Shorts on Public Transport After Shocking DLR Indecent Exposure
John Paul Murphy, 55, has been slapped with a bizarre “short shorts ban” after being found guilty of repeatedly exposing himself on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). The court ruled he must cover up on public transport, banning him from wearing short shorts following his shocking behaviour aimed at women across East and South East London.
Three Separate Incidents Caught on the DLR
The Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court heard Murphy plead guilty to three counts of indecent exposure. The first incident happened on January 28 between Greenwich and Heron Quays, where Murphy reportedly sat opposite a woman, exposing himself through the leg of his short shorts while staring at her.
Two more outrages followed in April. On April 15, Murphy was caught exposing himself to a second victim between Canning Town and Greenwich, this time without underwear under his short shorts. Then on April 29, a third woman witnessed Murphy flashing an erect penis out of his short black shorts, seemingly angling his phone as if taking photos.
Victims Speak Out
“It still angers me to this day that this still happens to women when they’re going through their normal day to day business. It has to stop,” said one victim.
Another victim said she just wants to live her daily and work life without the fear of sexual harassment.
Strict Sentence and Unusual Clothing Order
Murphy’s lawyer, Lloyd Moody, confirmed his client admitted the offences and is attending a course to prevent reoffending. Magistrate Amanda Gibbon handed down a one-year community order, requiring 60 hours of unpaid work. Murphy also received a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order mandating he wear trousers or shorts at least knee-length on public transport.
He must pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge. This rare “short shorts ban” aims to curb Murphy’s indecent exposure spree and make public transport safer for passengers.
