MORDEN SEX OFFENDER JAMES GATHERCOLE SENTENCED FOR PUBLIC INDECENCY ON SUTTON BUS

In November 2013, a disturbing incident occurred involving James Gathercole, a resident of Morden, who was convicted of a serious sexual offence that took place on a bus traveling through Sutton. Gathercole, who is known to act as a carer for his disabled mother, was involved in an appalling act of public indecency that drew significant attention from law enforcement and the local community.

On August 21, Gathercole was observed engaging in highly inappropriate behavior aboard the number 151 bus. The incident unfolded around 4 pm near Rosehill, where a 17-year-old girl boarded the upper deck of the bus. As she settled into a seat near the back, she noticed Gathercole had followed her and was sitting nearby. According to court reports, she initially thought nothing of it but soon became aware of his disturbing actions.

Prosecutor Sam Main detailed that the teenage girl, who was listening to music through her earphones, noticed in the reflection of the bus window that Gathercole had exposed himself and was masturbating. She quickly took a covert photograph of him under the pretext of making a phone call, capturing the moment of his misconduct. The sexual activity persisted for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before she disembarked from the bus, at which point Gathercole ceased his actions.

Following the incident, the girl reported the matter to the police. The case garnered media attention, especially after the girl posted the photograph on Twitter and it was subsequently reported in local newspapers. Gathercole was identified through this publicity, leading to his arrest and subsequent police interviews.

Initially, Gathercole claimed he could not remember what he had done, denying any exposure. However, after being shown the photograph, he admitted to the offence. He explained that his actions were influenced by the stress caused by the recent death of his father and his role as the sole carer for his mother, who suffers from mental health issues. Despite this explanation, the court noted that his previous criminal record included five convictions for similar offences dating back to 2004, all related to indecent exposure. He had previously attended a sex offenders' course as part of his rehabilitation.

Gathercole pleaded guilty to the charge of exposure last month. During the hearing at Croydon Magistrates’ Court, his defense team requested leniency, emphasizing his role as the primary caregiver for his mother. Nevertheless, the magistrates decided that a custodial sentence was warranted. As Gathercole was led away to the cells following the sentencing, he called out to his girlfriend, saying, “take care of mum, yeah.”

The court also ordered Gathercole to be placed on the sex offenders register, requiring him to notify police of any change of address for the next seven years. Magistrate Mr Fisher commented on the case, stating, “This was an offence on a 16-year-old victim on public transport, and, to some extent, you targeted her. You had an intervention before, and that hasn’t worked. You were given your opportunity, and you didn’t take it.” The decision underscores the seriousness with which the court viewed his repeated violations and the need to protect the public from further offences.