BRIAN GOUGH FROM THEALE SENTENCED FOR MULTIPLE INDECENT EXPOSURE OFFENSES IN READING

In December 2018, a disturbing case unfolded involving Brian Gough, a 72-year-old man from Theale, who was found guilty of multiple counts of indecent exposure. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the offenses and the fact that Gough had a prior police caution for similar conduct, indicating a troubling pattern of behavior that had persisted over time.

Gough, a married man, vehemently denied the allegations during the trial, which culminated in a conviction after the victim was compelled to testify. The court proceedings revealed that Gough’s actions were not isolated incidents but part of a recurring pattern that had caused considerable distress to the victim. It was also disclosed that Gough’s behavior was “entrenched,” and he remained in denial about the seriousness of his actions despite his past caution.

The incident came to light during a court session at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 15. Prosecutor Clare Barclay detailed that Gough had targeted a specific woman repeatedly, exposing himself and engaging in masturbation in her presence. She emphasized that these acts had become almost a weekly occurrence until Gough’s arrest.

Gough, who resides on Rotherfield Close in Theale, was taken into custody following these allegations. Despite his protests of innocence, the evidence against him was compelling enough to lead to a trial held on October 15. During the trial, Gough was convicted of three separate charges of indecent exposure, with incidents occurring in December of the previous year and January of the current year.

The victim’s statement was read aloud in court, revealing the profound impact Gough’s actions had on her mental health. She explained that she had to seek cognitive behavioral therapy due to the trauma inflicted by Gough’s repeated exposures. She described experiencing anxiety, nightmares, and sleep disturbances, emphasizing that the emotional toll was far greater than anyone could have anticipated.

A probation officer provided additional insights into Gough’s mindset, stating that he maintained his innocence throughout. The officer noted that Gough claimed erectile dysfunction prevented him from masturbating, a claim deemed lacking credibility by the authorities. The officer further explained that Gough’s behavior appeared to be motivated by a desire to elicit emotional reactions from others, possibly deriving a sense of power or control from these acts. The officer characterized Gough’s conduct as “probably motivated by thrill-seeking” and described his behavior as “deeply entrenched.”

During the court hearing, it was also revealed that Gough’s wife of 27 years, who had accompanied him to court, continued to support him despite the allegations. His defense lawyer, Simon Grant, expressed hope that Gough could receive some form of assistance, acknowledging the complexity of his case. The lawyer also pointed out that Gough’s previous caution in 2003 was quite late in life, suggesting that these issues had persisted for many years.

Presiding magistrate Lindsey Appleton, after conferring with colleagues, sentenced Gough to a two-year community order. The court mandated that he attend a 30-day ‘Horizon’ sex offender treatment program and participate in a 10-day rehabilitation activity. Magistrate Appleton warned Gough that failure to comply with these conditions could result in re-sentencing and imprisonment. Additionally, Gough was ordered to pay £750 towards the costs of the trial, an £85 victim services surcharge, and £100 in compensation to his victim. He was also required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of five years, marking a significant step in his ongoing legal and rehabilitative process.