PAUL RICE FROM WALLASEY AND WALTON SHAMES LOCAL COMMUNITY WITH DISTURBING INDECENT EXPOSURE INCIDENTS

In a series of disturbing incidents that have shocked the communities of Wallasey and Walton, Paul Rice, aged 35, was found guilty of engaging in indecent exposure in front of innocent bystanders, including children. The events unfolded earlier this year, with Rice committing these acts in broad daylight, causing alarm and distress among residents.

On March 1, this year, a mother walking her six-year-old son near her home was horrified to see Rice, who was at that time standing at his bedroom window. He was reportedly playing with himself in full view of the street, an act that prompted the mother to quickly cover her child's eyes and hurriedly move away from the scene. Witnesses described Rice as being dressed in a blue hooded jacket with the hood pulled up, and with his trousers pulled down, clearly engaged in a lewd act while staring directly at the mother and her young son.

Following this distressing sighting, police were promptly called to investigate the allegations. Rice initially denied the accusations, claiming that the reports were false and suggesting that local residents, aware of his previous convictions, were fabricating stories. He also alleged that there was a conspiracy involving people in the area, which he claimed was aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

However, further investigations revealed that Rice had a troubling history of similar offences. Records showed he had previously been jailed for exposing himself in 2005 and again in 2013. Despite his denials, evidence from witnesses and police inquiries confirmed his involvement in the recent incidents.

On May 21, after being released on police bail, Rice committed the same offence once more. This time, a woman walking in the vicinity of Sleepers Green in Walton spotted Rice with his genitals exposed through his bedroom window. She was alarmed by the sight and immediately called the police. According to her account, there were children aged between four and twelve, as well as adults, in the area at the time. She described how Rice quickly stepped away from the window and the blinds were slowly drawn shut.

As police arrived at the scene, a small crowd had gathered outside Rice’s residence. It was later revealed that his girlfriend had called the authorities, and she was present in the courtroom during the trial. She was unaware of Rice’s prior convictions until his arrest. During the proceedings, Rice continued to deny the allegations, claiming that the crowd outside was calling him a “nonce” and that he was being unfairly targeted.

Prosecutor Ken Grant detailed the incidents to the court, emphasizing the distress caused to the victims and the community. He pointed out that Rice’s actions were particularly upsetting given the presence of children and the fact that he had a known history of similar offences.

In sentencing, Judge Alan Conrad, QC, expressed his disgust at Rice’s behaviour. He stated, “What you have been doing is disgusting and upsetting to people, particularly in regard to young women whether on their own or out with small children. It seems to me for some time you have been getting a kick out of masturbating in front of people. If you carry on you will keep going back into custody and wasting your life.”

Rice was handed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, acknowledging that he had already served six months on remand, which is equivalent to the maximum sentence of 12 months under sentencing guidelines. The court also ordered him to complete 35 days of rehabilitation activities with the probation service and to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.

Following the court proceedings, Rice was released, and he was seen leaving the Derby Square courthouse in Walton with his partner, who embraced him before they left holding hands. The case has left a lasting impact on the local communities of Wallasey and Walton, highlighting ongoing concerns about public decency and safety.