A woman has been jailed for having sex in full view of shoppers outside a busy North East shopping centre — with breasts exposed and naked from the waist down. Rachel Hardy-Gent’s bra also concealed a dangerous weapon: a broken bottle neck.
Shocking Act Caught by Delivery Driver
The shocking incident unfolded at Whitley Bay’s Park View Shopping Centre. A delivery driver caught Hardy-Gent mid-act with a man, both clearly visible to passers-by. The male had trousers and underwear down, while Hardy-Gent was topless and bottomless. Police were quickly called.
“They were lying on the floor having sex. This defendant is said to be naked from the waist down. She also had her chest exposed,” said prosecutor James Long at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court. “It was plainly in sight of members of the public passing and could be seen by people using the shopping centre.”
Following her arrest, officers discovered the jagged neck of a broken wine bottle hidden in Hardy-Gent’s bra.
Hardy-Gent Jailed for 16 Weeks, Admits Multiple Offences
The 16-week jail sentence sees Hardy-Gent punished for outraging public decency, possessing an offensive weapon, and breaching a suspended sentence. Originally from Carlisle, Hardy-Gent recently moved to Slatyford and has a whopping 58 prior offences.
Her defence lawyer, Mark Styles, revealed she asked to be sent to prison. He explained:
“She drank so much alcohol on the day in question she blacked out and has no idea how she ended up outside the shopping centre. She had the glass bottle for her own protection but had no intention of using it.”
“She wants help for her alcohol misuse and housing matters. It’s an upsetting application for me to make to ask that she’s sent to prison but that’s what she wants and she’s an adult, so perhaps she knows what is best for her. Alcohol is her demon as it’s used to mask the impact of various things that have happened to her over the years.”
