CHARLES MCCARTHY SHOCKS TWYFORD AND WOKINGHAM WITH NAKED TRAIN EXPOSES AND RAILWAY CHAOS

In July 2019, Charles McCarthy, a resident of Twyford, became the center of a disturbing series of incidents that unfolded across the railway stations and train lines in Wokingham and Reading. His reckless and shocking behavior drew widespread attention and concern from both authorities and the public alike.

It all began at Reading Train Station, where McCarthy, then 40 years old, was captured on CCTV stripping completely naked before entering a lift. Witnesses and commuters were stunned as he proceeded to ride the lift up and down multiple times, exposing his genitals each time the doors opened. This brazen act was not confined to the lift; McCarthy then made his way onto the escalators, riding them several times while still unclothed, causing alarm among the hundreds of passengers present.

The situation escalated further when McCarthy attempted to board a train. In a highly reckless move, he was seen running across two sets of live railway rails, risking his life and causing potential danger to others. Witnesses watched in horror as he jumped from the platform, sprinted across the tracks, and then climbed onto the opposite platform, all while in a state of undress.

Subsequently, McCarthy managed to board a train departing from Wokingham. At this point, he was wearing only his trousers and boxer shorts around his ankles. His behavior continued to be disturbing when he was approached by two teenage girls who recognized his inappropriate conduct. The girls called him a “paedophile” and promptly reported him to the train manager. The train manager then found McCarthy seated on a chair, almost entirely naked, engaging in inappropriate touching of himself. This incident was reported to the police, as McCarthy persisted in sexually harassing passengers during the journey.

Police detained McCarthy upon the train’s arrival at Reading Station on September 23, 2017, at approximately 9:30 pm. The authorities also revealed that earlier, in July 2017, McCarthy had caused alarm on a train by grunting and staring directly at a passenger while rubbing his exposed genitals. CCTV footage from that period confirmed his presence and behavior, leading to his arrest at his home shortly thereafter.

Further disturbing incidents were recounted during the court proceedings. Judge Paul Dugdale heard that McCarthy had frightened passengers on a train by making noises and staring at a victim with his hands on his genitals. Just two days prior, on July 24, 2017, McCarthy had also caused a dangerous situation near Gringer Hill in Maidenhead, Berkshire. He wandered into the path of a moving car, forcing the driver to brake suddenly and honk loudly. During this episode, McCarthy fumbled with his trousers, exposed his genitals, and shouted at the stunned witnesses inside the vehicle.

McCarthy’s actions prompted legal action, and he was charged with two counts of indecent exposure under section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, as well as a charge of outraging public decency under Common Law. His defense, led by counsel Alan Walker, cited two psychiatric reports recommending that he be placed under a Section 37 Mental Health Act Order rather than face imprisonment. The reports suggested that McCarthy required psychiatric treatment rather than incarceration.

On the day of the hearing at Reading Crown Court, McCarthy was absent. Judge Dugdale issued a Section 37 Hospital Order without restrictions, under the Mental Health Act, effectively committing him to psychiatric care for treatment of his mental health issues. This decision reflected the court’s view that McCarthy’s actions were driven by mental health concerns, and it aimed to address the underlying causes of his disturbing behavior.