MALCOLM DONOHUE PERVERT AT ANLABY COMMON TRIES TO PHOTOGRAPH 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT BUS STOP

In July 2017, a disturbing incident occurred at a bus stop in Anlaby Common involving Malcolm Donohue, a 56-year-old man with a troubling history. The victim, a 12-year-old girl, was waiting at the bus stop when Donohue was observed standing uncomfortably close to her, raising concerns about his inappropriate behavior.

As the girl prepared to board the bus, Donohue was seen shifting his position deliberately, attempting to tilt his iPhone upward in an apparent attempt to take a photograph up the hem of her skirt. This act of voyeurism was witnessed by a nearby vehicle driver who, despite being stuck in traffic, responded quickly by honking his horn to alert the girl to the danger. Recognizing the suspicious behavior, the driver then pulled into a safe spot to contact the police.

Meanwhile, Donohue appeared to make a phone call on his mobile device before entering a vehicle and driving away from the scene. A teenage girl walking on the opposite side of the road noticed the incident and managed to jot down the vehicle's registration number. Both the victim and the teenage witness promptly reported the incident to law enforcement authorities.

Later that day, police officers arrested Donohue at his workplace in Spring Gardens, Anlaby Common. Fortunately, it was determined that he did not succeed in capturing any inappropriate images during the incident.

During court proceedings, Julia Baggs, the prosecutor, detailed the emotional impact on the young girl, who expressed feelings of embarrassment and discomfort following the event on May 10, 2016. The girl’s victim impact statement revealed her internal struggle, stating, “I felt embarrassed, I felt it was my fault in some way. Being wary of strangers is going to stay with me for a long time.”

Both the girl and the teenage witness shared that the incident has made them more cautious and more comfortable only when accompanied by a parent in unfamiliar places.

Malcolm Donohue, who resides on Spring Gardens in Anlaby Common, pleaded guilty to attempting to take indecent photographs of a child. His criminal history includes a conviction for common assault in 1998 and another for indecent assault on a female under 14 in 1999.

Judge David Tremberg sentenced Donohue to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered him to pay £1,200 in court costs. The judge remarked on Donohue’s character, stating, “You are an intelligent, successful businessman. However, there is a flaw in your character which it appears has existed for many years. It appears you had and still have a sexual interest in underage girls.”

The judge emphasized the distress caused to the victim and the witness, acknowledging the seriousness of the offense. He also noted the positive steps Donohue had taken since accepting responsibility, including signing the sex offenders register, attending the Northumbria Sex Offender Group Treatment Programme, and being subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years. This order prohibits him from living with or having contact with any female under 16, and from possessing any device capable of storing digital images, aiming to prevent further offenses.