DAVID KNIGHT SENTENCED TO JAIL IN BIDDULPH FOR INDECENT EXPOSURE TO SCHOOLGIRLS

In March 2016, police in Biddulph issued warnings to children about the dangers of talking to strangers following the arrest and imprisonment of David Knight, who was convicted of exposing himself to six schoolgirls. Knight, 36 years old, carried out his offending over three days as the girls, some as young as eight, left their schools in Biddulph, Fegg Hayes, and Ball Green.

Knight approached the girls and exposed himself after they leaned into his vehicle. One of the victims took down his car’s registration number, which led police to his identification. Officers also discovered that Knight had filmed his encounters on his phone.

Knight has since been sentenced to six months in jail after admitting to three counts of indecent exposure. Prosecutor Lynette McClement recounted the incidents: “Two girls aged eight and nine were walking back from school to meet a family member when they noticed a black jeep. The driver stopped, and one girl said she saw the same man in the vehicle two days earlier. He asked, ‘Excuse me love, do you know where Longton is?’ then added, ‘What are you looking at my privates for?’ The girl saw his genitals, with one hand on the steering wheel and the other in his crutch. He drove off, leaving both girls frightened and intimidated.”

The court heard that Knight subsequently drove to Ball Green and inquired about the locations from passing girls. Miss McClement added, “It was clear to one girl that he was not wearing trousers; she could see his genitals.”

Three days later, Knight, traveling in a company Audi, approached three female pupils near a school in Biddulph. McClement described the scene: “The Audi approached them, and he greeted them with ‘How do’. The girls bent down and saw he had the zip of his trousers open and was exposing himself.”

Andrew Bennett, defending, characterized Knight’s behavior as 'inexplicable' and 'unjustifiable.' He explained that Knight, who was residing at Adamthwaite Drive, Blythe Bridge, and High Lane, Chell, acknowledged having a problem, stating, “He accepts he has a problem. He knows his behavior is disgusting. His reputation is in tatters.” The court also noted that Knight’s partner supports him.

Judge Paul Glenn sentenced Knight to six months in prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender for seven years. Knight was also prohibited from engaging in activities involving children and vulnerable adults. The judge highlighted the seriousness of Knight’s actions, saying, “Your actions were distasteful and frankly disgraceful. You deliberately exposed your private parts to young girls. You also pulled up alongside two Year 11 pupils, asked for directions, and offered them a lift. That is worrying behavior. That was your undoing, as one of the girls recorded your registration number, leading to your conviction. This was not impulsive, particularly because you filmed it.”