MICHAEL MORRIS SHAMES BARRY IN PUBLIC PARK WITH DISTURBING EXPOSE IN HEATWAVE

In July 2018, a disturbing incident unfolded in a busy park in Barry, where a man known as Michael Morris caused alarm among families enjoying the summer heatwave. The incident involved Morris exposing himself in a manner that shocked and distressed those present, particularly children aged between nine and eleven.

On the afternoon of June 27, around 4:30 pm, Morris, aged 45, was seen in Central Park in Barry behaving in a bizarre and inappropriate manner. Witnesses reported that he was in an intoxicated state, with police arriving to find him in a highly inappropriate display. He was described as being bare-chested, wearing dark trousers with the zipper undone, and exhibiting signs of being under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

According to reports, Morris had been seen standing in the bushes with his trousers around his thighs and no top on. Witnesses observed him bending over, exposing his backside, and later turning around to reveal his genitals while urinating in the bushes. The presence of children in the park at the time heightened the severity of his actions. A young boy later reported seeing Morris near some bins, where he had his trousers pulled up, but Morris then chased the children when they noticed him.

Police responded swiftly to the scene after receiving reports of a male behaving strangely and in an intoxicated state. Upon arresting Morris, officers noted his request to them, asking if he could have a “pasty,” a bizarre comment considering the circumstances. Morris was taken into custody and subsequently pleaded guilty to the charge of exposure.

Further investigation revealed that Morris had a troubling criminal history, including two prior convictions related to similar offences. The first occurred on September 8 of the previous year, when he stood on a roof on Holton Road in Barry, shouting abuse at passersby while completely naked. The second offence took place in April, when he was found near the rear staff entrance of Wilko, also on Holton Road, where he was seen fondling his genitals.

As a result of these offences, Morris was sentenced to eight weeks in prison and was ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years. His criminal record, which includes these recent convictions, contributed to the severity of his sentencing.

During the sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Richard Williams addressed the court and the community. He emphasized the seriousness of Morris’s actions, especially given the busy nature of the park during the heatwave and the presence of children. The judge stated, “The park was busy because of the weather and parents were bringing their children to the park where you exposed yourself to a number of them. You chased them and urinated openly so you could be seen.”

Judge Williams further highlighted Morris’s history of similar behaviour, noting that his previous convictions made this offence particularly grave. He concluded that Morris’s actions posed a significant risk to the community and that incarceration was necessary to prevent further incidents. Morris, residing on Holton Road in Barry, was sentenced to a total of 11 months imprisonment, a measure aimed at protecting the public and ensuring that such disturbing conduct does not continue in the future.