Flasher Caught Thanks to Brave Jogger’s Quick Thinking
Mark Croucher, once from Northgate Avenue, Fratton, was nabbed just one day after police launched an appeal – all thanks to a quick-thinking jogger who snapped a photo of the creepy flasher. The bold victim’s actions led to his swift arrest.
Croucher Admits Exposure Charge at Portsmouth Crown Court
At first, Croucher denied any wrongdoing. But on day one of his trial, he caved and pleaded guilty to one count of exposure. The court was told how he had “rubbed his hand up and down” in a masturbating motion during the incident, which left the jogger shocked on a sunny Sunday morning at 10am.
Fortunately, no contact was made with the woman, and police confirmed she was not physically harmed. In the aftermath, the jogger took to Facebook to warn others, sparking alarm across the community.
Community Order for Reformed Flasher – But Still Free to Roam
Nearly a year on, Croucher appeared at Salisbury Crown Court for sentencing. Despite warnings from the judge about a possible jail term and the “priority concern to protect the public,” Croucher, now residing in Baythorn Close, Buckland, was handed a three-year community order instead of prison.
The convicted flasher, who has a previous offence for flashing, was ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation days and enroll in the Horizon programme. He must also register as a sex offender for five years and is subject to a strict Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Horrific Restrictions Imposed on Pervert
The SHPO bans Croucher from any physical contact with females except “inadvertent and not reasonably avoidable” encounters during daily life, or if he has consent from a woman fully aware of his convictions. He is also forbidden from touching or exposing his genitals in public places, except when inside a public toilet.
The victim said after the court hearing: “I just want to put it behind me now.”
Recorder Feest QC warned Croucher before sentencing: “I will look at all options (including jail) and make no promises with the sentence. My priority concern is to protect the public.” Because Croucher initially refused to admit guilt, the victim had to endure attending court as a witness before the case concluded.
