Thanet Man Jailed for Bizarre Part-Naked Public Act
A 51-year-old man from Thanet has been locked up after being spotted partially dressed and acting suspiciously in public.
Spotted in Bushes, Tried to Bolt
On the afternoon of 15 December 2019, Kent Police were tipped off about a man wearing only a burgundy jumper, lurking and crouching in bushes near Thanet Road, Margate. When officers arrived, Ricky Neville tried to make a run for it but was quickly caught and arrested.
Flouted Sexual Offences Order with Lewd Act
Neville, from Grosvenor Place, Margate, admitted committing outraging public decency and breaking his Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). Not only had he exposed himself in public, but he also ignored strict conditions banning him from public parks, gardens, churchyards, and woods.
Court Sends Neville Back Behind Bars
At Canterbury Crown Court on 6 March 2020, Neville was sentenced to two years in prison. Detective Sergeant Jade Barrett slammed Neville’s actions:
“Neville was under strict conditions aimed at allowing him liberty but preventing him from committing any indecent act in public. Although he may have thought that hiding in a bush would not affect anyone else, the simple fact he had chosen to be in a public place automatically leaves others at risk of witnessing his offending, which simply is not acceptable.
“He was aware of the risk he took and now he must face up to the reality of his decision, from the confines of a prison cell.”
