SEX OFFENDER ADRIAN FITZGERALD JAILED FOR EXPOSING HIMSELF AND ASSAULTING WOMAN
A registered sex offender who exposed himself and sexually assaulted a woman in broad daylight in Poulton has been jailed.Adrian Fitzgerald, 63, struck while already subject to strict court conditions as a convicted sex offender.
The disturbing incident unfolded on January 28 when Fitzgerald was first spotted exposing himself in Market Place at around 11am.
A shocked member of the public reported the incident and gave a description to a neighbourhood police officer.
Just 15 minutes later, Fitzgerald entered a premises on Chapel Street, where he again exposed himself to a woman inside.
He then sexually assaulted her, leaving the victim terrified.
The brave woman fought back, pushing Fitzgerald away and warning him she would call the police.
But he chillingly replied: “Go on then.” She managed to force him out of the premises, bringing the ordeal to an end.
Officers quickly identified Fitzgerald, who is of no fixed address, and arrested him.
He was later charged with two counts of exposure, sexual assault, a breach of his sex offender notification requirements and a breach of his sexual harm prevention order.
In a victim personal statement, she said: "I am a positive and calm individual normally; however, this has knocked me for six.
I feel emotional thinking about the incident, I haven’t slept properly since, it plays on my mind, it pops into my mind when I don’t expect it.
"I feel like I have imposter syndrome and I feel that people will judge me and see bad of me for making this report." Fitzgerald pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court and was sentenced to three years in prison.
DC Hannah Burgess of Blackpool CID said: "Fitzgerald is a registered sex offender who ignored court-ordered conditions and exposed himself to and sexually assaulted a woman for his own sexual gratification.
The victim in this case has been incredibly strong throughout proceedings, and has undeniably assisted us in bringing Fitzgerald to justice.
"I want to make it clear that sexual offending of any nature isn’t tolerated in Lancashire.
If you have been a victim of any sexual offence, please know that we will listen to you, we will take your report seriously and we will do all we can to get you justice."
