MARTIN LEE FROM NENTHEAD SENTENCED FOR LEWD PHOTOS AND EXPOSURE CRIMES IN CARLISLE

In April 2019, a man from Nenthead named Martin Lee was handed a significant sentence after being found guilty of serious sexual offenses involving exposure and the distribution of lewd images. The case was heard at Carlisle Crown Court, where it was revealed that Lee, aged 36, committed two separate offenses approximately 18 months apart, highlighting a pattern of disturbing behavior.

According to court proceedings, Lee, who was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine at the time, sent explicit images of himself via social media to a 15-year-old girl. The young girl was left deeply distressed by the images, which she described as “disgusting,” and the incident caused her considerable upset. The court heard that this act of sending lewd photos was part of a broader pattern of inappropriate conduct involving minors.

During the police investigation into the social media incident, authorities uncovered evidence of earlier criminal activity by Lee. It was revealed that he had previously exposed himself to a young woman in an isolated location, an act that added to the severity of his criminal record. Lee admitted to engaging in sexual communication with a minor but denied the act of exposure. However, the victim of the exposure attended the trial and testified against him, leading to his conviction for that particular offense.

A prosecutor described the court experience for the victim as “one of the most frightening days of her life,” emphasizing the emotional toll of Lee’s actions. Lee, who resides at Hillersdon Terrace in Nenthead, had a prior conviction for indecent exposure, which underscored a troubling history of similar offenses.

In sentencing, the judge, Recorder Tim Hannam QC, acknowledged that no custodial sentence could fully address the need for rehabilitation. Instead of imprisonment, Lee was sentenced to a 36-month community order. This order includes mandatory participation in a sexual offending treatment program and a three-month night-time curfew. Additionally, Lee is required to register as a sex offender and adhere to a sexual harm prevention order for a period of five years, reflecting the court’s efforts to prevent further harm and protect the community from future offenses.