Edwin Granados-Ramos, 47, a kitchen porter who repeatedly masturbated in front of schoolgirls in Burgess Park, Southwark, has avoided prison despite the severity of his actions. Granados-Ramos terrorized young girls on six separate occasions between November and June, targeting them as they walked to school.
The disturbing pattern of behaviour culminated in his arrest after a 14-year-old girl called 999, reporting that a man without trousers was masturbating in front of her. Police quickly responded, arresting Granados-Ramos in the park, and the girl later identified him in an identity parade.
Further investigations revealed that a 16-year-old girl had also been targeted by Granados-Ramos on five other occasions during the same period. Additionally, Granados-Ramos exposed himself to an off-duty police officer who was jogging in the park.
Granados-Ramos, who is of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to seven charges of exposure and appeared at Inner London Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday, August 22. His defence barrister, Sam Giffin, explained that Granados-Ramos came to the UK three years ago from El Salvador, hoping for a fresh start after his wife was murdered by a criminal gang. Despite his aspirations, life in the UK did not improve for him, and he ended up working as a kitchen porter.
Ms Giffin urged the judge to consider her client’s difficult circumstances, stating that Granados-Ramos is seeking mental health support and hopes to continue working while pursuing further studies for a better future.
Judge Noel Lucas KC, Honorary Recorder of Haringey, acknowledged the distress caused to the young victims, saying, “I dare say those young women who have to suffer him targeting them when they walked to school would far rather I keep them safe by sending him to prison for as long as I can.”
Prosecutor Archie Manby pointed out that the 16-year-old victim changed her route but still encountered Granados-Ramos, suggesting a level of targeting. However, Ms Giffin argued that the offences were opportunistic and not premeditated.
Ultimately, Judge Lucas sentenced Granados-Ramos to 17-and-a-half months in custody, suspended for two years. The judge cited the arguments made by the defence as reasons for suspending the sentence. As part of his sentence, Granados-Ramos will be required to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work, complete a sex offender rehabilitation course, and wear an electronic ankle tag to monitor his movements. Additionally, he has been banned from entering Burgess Park for five years.
