BENJAMIN HARRIS FROM ST ALBANS EXPOSES HIMSELF TO YOUNG GIRLS ON BUSES IN HERTFORDSHIRE

In February 2013, a disturbing series of incidents involving public indecency took place across several locations in Hertfordshire, culminating in the arrest and conviction of Benjamin Harris, a resident of St Albans. Harris was found guilty of multiple offences related to exposing himself to young girls while traveling on buses in various towns including Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, and Watford.

According to court records, Harris, aged 29 at the time, would position himself at the back of buses and target young female passengers walking along the pavement as the vehicle passed by. His actions involved exposing himself and, in some cases, fondling himself in full view of the victims. The court was informed that these offences occurred during September and October of the previous year, prompting Hertfordshire Constabulary to launch a dedicated operation to apprehend him after receiving numerous complaints from concerned young women.

Harris's criminal activity came to an end when he was arrested while traveling on a bus from Potters Bar to Enfield. During his arrest, he admitted to the police that he was aware his actions were wrong, stating, "I know it was wrong and I shouldn’t have done it. I haven’t had a girlfriend for a while."

At St Albans Crown Court, Judge Steven Gullick presided over the case. Harris appeared before the court to admit to seven counts of exposure. The prosecution, led by Robert Colover, detailed that the victims ranged in age from 13 to 21, with one as young as 13 and others aged 17, 18, and 21. The victims reported seeing Harris exposing himself and engaging in inappropriate touching while on the bus.

The judge described Harris as a "sexually frustrated loner" and expressed his concern over the nature of the offences, which he labeled as "unpleasant." In response, Judge Gullick imposed a three-year community order, requiring Harris to be under the supervision of probation services during this period. Additionally, Harris was mandated to complete a sex offenders treatment programme to address his behaviour.

Furthermore, Harris was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from putting his hands down his trousers or touching himself in public, except when using the toilet. His name will also be entered onto the sex offenders register for the next seven years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and compliance with the court’s orders.