MICHAEL JACKSON FROM WADEBRIDGE JAILED FOR PUBLIC INDECENCY NEAR CORNISH CINEMA

In July 2022, Michael Jackson, a 65-year-old resident of Wadebridge, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of engaging in highly inappropriate and illegal behavior in a public area near a cinema in Cornwall. The incident took place during broad daylight, causing concern among local residents and passersby.

Jackson’s arrest followed a report from a vigilant member of the public who observed a disturbing scene outside the Regal Cinema in Wadebridge on Thursday, June 21, at approximately 3:30 pm. According to the witness, they saw a man with his trousers pulled down and his genitals exposed, actively masturbating in the vicinity of the fire exit of the cinema. The witness promptly alerted a neighbor, who then approached the scene and confirmed the disturbing sight. The neighbor saw Jackson with his trousers around his knees, one hand holding his penis, and was able to identify him as the individual responsible for the indecent act.

Following the report, the police were called to the scene. The public disturbance occurred in a busy part of Wadebridge, an area that borders residential neighborhoods and is frequented by families and children. The incident was particularly alarming because it happened during a time when children were returning home from school, adding to the distress caused to the community.

Prosecutor Zoe Kuyken detailed the case during the court proceedings, emphasizing the public nature of the offense and the potential trauma inflicted on witnesses, especially children. She highlighted that Jackson’s behavior was not an isolated incident; he has a prior conviction for similar misconduct, specifically for masturbating naked on Padstow beach while staring at two women. Furthermore, Jackson has a criminal history that includes convictions for indecent assault of a child and sexual assault, underscoring a pattern of concerning behavior.

Jackson appeared before Truro Crown Court to face sentencing after pleading guilty to charges of outraging public decency and breaching a suspended sentence previously imposed for a similar offense. The court was told that Jackson’s actions represented a serious breach of public trust and safety.

Judge Robert Linford addressed the court, condemning Jackson’s conduct. He stated, “You were masturbating in a busy public area of that town next to the cinema. Someone with a child in the car first saw you and alerted somebody else. This sort of behavior is disgusting and frightening for people going about their normal business, not expecting to see a 65-year-old man playing with himself in the street.”

In light of Jackson’s repeated offenses and his superficial response to previous court orders, the judge decided on a custodial sentence. Jackson was sentenced to 13 months in prison, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the need to protect the community from further incidents of this nature.