A man has been convicted of indecent exposure and sexual assault following a disturbing incident in Coventry's War Memorial Park that has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Ranjit Sadra, 45, appeared before Coventry Magistrates' %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%% on 24 April, where he pleaded guilty to both offences. The incident occurred in broad daylight in War Memorial Park, Cheylesmore, a %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%% spot frequented by families, joggers, and children.
According to %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%%, Sadra approached a woman in the park before exposing himself in public view. Witnesses reported that he began undressing while others — including young %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%% — were nearby. In a separate but related incident the same day, he inappropriately touched another woman elsewhere in the park.
Promptly alerted by concerned members of the public, officers arrested Sadra at the scene. He was charged following a swift %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%%, reflecting the force's stated commitment to tackling sexual offences in public spaces.
The court has remanded Sadra in custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled for 22 May at %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%% Crown Court.
His guilty plea means victims have been spared the ordeal of a trial, but the incident has reignited calls for improved safety measures in Coventry's public spaces.
War Memorial Park, one of the city's best-loved %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%% spaces, regularly hosts community events and is a destination for exercise and leisure. The crime has raised alarm among local residents and councillors, who are now urging for enhanced security, including more visible police patrols and increased %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_7%% coverage.
According to the 2023 Crime Survey for England and %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_8%%, crimes of a sexual nature in parks remain relatively rare but are considered high-impact, often leaving long-lasting effects on victims and the wider community.
A spokesperson for %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_9%% said:
"We take incidents of sexual assault and indecent exposure extremely seriously. The public can be reassured that swift action was taken, and the offender will now be held accountable."
Local councillors have echoed that sentiment, but say more must be done to restore confidence in public safety. Residents are being encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour, no matter how minor it may seem.
Sadra now awaits sentencing, where he could face penalties ranging from community orders to several years in %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_10%%, depending on the severity of the offences, as outlined by national sentencing guidelines.
This case forms part of our continuing coverage of %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_11%% and safety in Coventry, and underscores the ongoing challenge of keeping public spaces secure for all.
