[A] MAN who committed a sex act in front of three 15-year-old girls in a busy Carlisle park has been spared immediate prison.
Roger Thomas Scott, 43, “targeted” the trio, initially following them around Hammonds Pond before staring at them from bushes. In clear view of the disgusted girls, he then dropped his shorts. At the time, on the evening of May 28, the park was said to have been busy with people of all ages – from babies to the elderly.
Scott was sentenced today (WED) having previously admitted engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. Carlisle Crown Court heard he had historical offences on his criminal record for both indecent assault and exposure.
Judge Peter Hughes QC was told Scott, of Upperby Road, Carlisle, had received a “significant wake-up call” having spent seven weeks in custody since his latest crime.
And after hearing mitigation, Judge Hughes suspended a 21-month jail term for two years. He ordered Scott to complete a sex offender treatment course and a rehabilitation requirement, concluding that was the best way of protecting the community long-term.
Scott must sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years, and received a sexual harm prevention order which bans him from entering any park, playground, sports field, playground and swimming pool.
