LEWIS BARNES SHOCKS SCARBOROUGH AND YORK WITH PUBLIC INDECENCY INCIDENT AT MC DONALD'S IN YORK
In a disturbing incident that has shocked both the local community of Scarborough and the busy city centre of York, Lewis James Barnes, aged 21, was found guilty of engaging in highly inappropriate conduct within a public establishment.The incident took place early on October 6 at a McDonald's restaurant located on Blake Street in York, where Barnes performed a sex act in front of unsuspecting customers and staff members.
According to court reports, Barnes not only exposed himself but also carried out the sexual act in full view of the public, in what was described as a prolonged display in a very busy and crowded environment.
The York magistrates emphasized the severity of the offence, noting that the act was committed in a public space that was frequented by families, workers, and other members of the community.
The magistrates stated, “It was prolonged and it was in a very busy public place in McDonald's.
It would have offended staff and customers.” Lewis Barnes, who resides at Pavilion Square in Scarborough, pleaded guilty to charges of outraging public decency.
He also admitted to failing to attend a court hearing previously scheduled for him.
The court sentenced him to 24 weeks in prison and ordered him to pay a statutory surcharge of £122.
Additionally, Barnes was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of five years and was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, also lasting five years.
Under the terms of this order, Barnes is explicitly prohibited from unzipping or removing his trousers, shorts, or any clothing that covers his private parts in public.
He is also mandated to use a private cubicle when using public toilets to prevent further incidents.
Furthermore, he is banned from entering the McDonald's on Blake Street for five years and is forbidden from making any contact, either directly or indirectly, with individuals who provided evidence against him during the case.
During the court proceedings, Craig Robertson, representing Barnes, acknowledged that his client was dealing with personal issues that he recognized needed addressing.
He explained that Barnes had experienced a “complete breakdown in his behaviour” in July of the previous year, which contributed to his offending.
However, the defence also highlighted that by January 2020, Barnes had made significant efforts to change his life and was considered to be a different person.
Mr.
Robertson described Barnes as “embarrassed” and “ashamed” of his actions.
He contested a probation service assessment that labeled Barnes as a high-risk offender unsuitable for community sentences such as unpaid work or rehabilitation activities, suggesting that Barnes was making genuine efforts to reform and should be given the opportunity to do so.
