DARREN MANNING FROM CASTLE RISING EXPOSES HIMSELF IN LYNN HIGH STREET - SECOND SEX OFFENSE IN NORFOLK

In October 2012, Darren Manning, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, found himself back in trouble with the law after a disturbing incident at a popular fast-food restaurant in Lynn, Norfolk. Manning, who resides on Lynn Road in Castle Rising, was seen engaging in highly inappropriate behavior in front of a woman and her young son, an act that has once again brought his criminal record into the spotlight.

The incident occurred around 4:15 pm on October 10, when the victim was sitting inside the McDonald's located on Lynn High Street. According to court reports, Manning-Coe approached the restaurant window and caused a scene by making loud noises and acting in a disruptive manner. The woman, who was accompanied by her five-year-old son, observed Manning-Coe outside the establishment. Without warning, he proceeded to drop his trousers and expose himself right next to the window where she and her child were seated. After this shocking display, he turned around and exposed his backside, leaving the woman horrified and deeply disturbed by his actions.

The court heard that Manning-Coe’s behavior was not only inappropriate but also a violation of social norms expected in a family-friendly environment like McDonald's. The victim described her reaction as one of complete shock and outrage, emphasizing that such conduct was unacceptable in a public place frequented by families and children.

This was not Manning-Coe’s first encounter with the criminal justice system related to sexual misconduct. In March 2010, he was sentenced to two years in prison at Norwich Crown Court after admitting to engaging in sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16. The court was informed that Manning-Coe, then 21 years old, had entered into a relationship with a 13-year-old girl, with whom he had sex when she was 14. As part of his sentence, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years and received an indefinite ban from working with children.

Yvonne Neill, the prosecutor, detailed the latest offense, stating that Manning-Coe’s actions took place while the woman was sitting with her son in McDonald's. She described how Manning-Coe was making a lot of noise and behaving in a manner that drew attention before he went outside and committed the indecent exposure. The court was told that Manning-Coe’s behavior was particularly egregious because it was witnessed by at least one child, and it marked his second sexual offense.

During the hearing, Manning-Coe’s defense attorney, Claire Williamson, expressed her client’s remorse, describing him as “deeply ashamed of his actions.” She requested that the court consider a community-based penalty and adjourn the case for a pre-sentence report, hoping to explore options for rehabilitation. However, the magistrates emphasized the seriousness of the offense, citing the fact that it involved a minor and that Manning-Coe had a prior conviction for sexual misconduct. They concluded that only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate.

As a result, Manning-Coe was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison. The court also noted that he would be eligible for parole after serving at least half of his sentence, which is standard procedure for such offenses. This case underscores the ongoing concerns about repeat offenders and the importance of strict sentencing to protect the public, especially vulnerable children, from individuals with a history of sexual offenses.