KAM-NAN TSOI SHOCKS COMMUNITY IN STANDISH AND COLBURN WITH DISTURBING INCIDENT

In March 2020, a disturbing incident unfolded in the quiet communities of Colburn and Standish, involving 73-year-old Kam-nan Tsoi. The pensioner was accused of exposing himself and performing a lewd act in front of a young girl, an event that has left a lasting impact on the victim and the local residents alike.

According to court proceedings at York Crown Court, the incident took place at Tsoi’s residence in Colburn. Prior to the event, Tsoi had been seen putting up a sign or note in his window, which raised suspicion among passersby. The young girl, who was of primary school age, noticed the sign but could not decipher what was written. Subsequently, Tsoi was observed removing the note and opening his blinds further, revealing a shocking scene to the girl.

From her vantage point outside, the girl saw Tsoi inside his home, where he was “bare-legged and naked from the waist down.” Without warning, he exposed himself and then proceeded to perform a lewd act on himself at the window, an act that was both disturbing and deeply upsetting for the young witness. The police were alerted to the incident on February 4 of the previous year, and Tsoi was arrested five days later.

During police questioning, Tsoi, a father of two who resided at the same address with other family members, admitted to being at his home on the day in question. However, he claimed that he was fully clothed during the incident. When asked about the sign, he explained that he had been moving papers, some of which had blown outside the blinds, and he was simply trying to retrieve them. Despite his account, forensic officers found DNA evidence in his living room that linked him to the scene.

Throughout the investigation and up until the trial, Tsoi maintained his innocence. It was only on the day of the court hearing that he ultimately pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. The young girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, described the profound psychological impact the incident had on her. She expressed feeling “like I’m trapped in a bubble and I can’t get out,” and shared that she felt “wrong” about what she saw.

She also revealed that she experiences ongoing fear, especially when she goes shopping, feeling as though “someone is watching me,” and that her anxiety is heightened whenever she encounters someone resembling Tsoi. The trauma was so severe that she refused to discuss the incident with her parents, illustrating the deep emotional scars left behind.

Defense lawyer Michelle Turner explained that Tsoi’s initial reluctance to admit guilt stemmed from feelings of shame and embarrassment. She noted that he had hoped the matter would simply go away. Turner provided background on Tsoi’s life, stating that he and his wife had settled in the UK in the early 1960s, where they built a life and raised a family. Following his retirement and the death of his wife, Tsoi moved to Lancashire, where he now lives alone, although his family remains supportive.

It was emphasized that Tsoi had no prior criminal record, and he had led a blameless life until this incident. The court heard that he currently resides on Preston Road in Standish, near Wigan.

Judge Sean Morris addressed Tsoi directly, condemning his behavior as “like a dirty old man,” and highlighting the significant distress caused to the young girl. The judge remarked that the girl felt “numb” and was reluctant to speak about what she saw because she believed it was wrong or that she had done something wrong herself.

Although Tsoi did not admit guilt until the day of his trial, the judge acknowledged his previously unblemished record and decided to suspend the prison sentence. Tsoi was sentenced to 10 months in jail, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work, placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years, and subjected to a sexual-harm prevention order to safeguard other children from potential harm.