MAN SENT LEWD PHOTOS TO SCHOOLGIRL ON SOCIAL MEDIA
A man who openly exposed himself to a woman and sent explicit photographs to a teenage girl was condemned as a "pervert" by a judge.Martin Richard Lee's two separate offenses took place approximately 18 months apart.
During the hearing at Carlisle Crown Court, it was revealed that Lee, aged 36, sent images of himself via social media to a 15-year-old girl, leaving her feeling "upset" and describing the pictures as "disgusting." When police investigated, they uncovered an earlier incident involving Lee, in which he followed a young woman in a secluded area before exposing himself to her.
Lee pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a minor.
He denied exposing himself, but was found guilty after a trial that his victim had to attend, which prosecutor Gerard Rogerson described as "one of the most frightening days of her life." It was also noted that Lee had previously been convicted of exposing himself to a female shop worker in July 2016.
The court was told that Lee was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine at the time of these offenses.
Holly Nelson, representing Lee, explained that her client had sought help for issues with substance misuse and depression, which had worsened following his father’s death in 2002.
She argued that a community punishment, rather than imprisonment, would be more beneficial for Lee—who is married—and for the public.
“He needs help,” Ms Nelson emphasized.
“He needs to stop this inappropriate sexual behavior.” Recorder Tim Hannam QC reviewed a probation report that he described as "pretty damning" and "alarming," noting that Lee tended to downplay his responsibility for his actions.
Ultimately, the judge decided that no prison sentence would be sufficient for the rehabilitation process to be effective.
He sentenced Lee to a three-year community order, including participation in a sex offender treatment program, rehabilitation measures, and a night-time curfew for three months.
Additionally, Lee, of Hillersdon Terrace, Nenthead, was ordered to register as a sex offender and comply with a sexual harm prevention order for five years.
In his remarks, Recorder Hannam stated, "Put shortly, you are a pervert.
It is obvious that you have a distorted view of women.
Your behavior appears to be driven solely by your own sexual gratification.
You simply enjoy exposing yourself."