A serial flasher with an “appalling record” exposed himself in front of children two days in a row.
Richard Graham, of no fixed address but formerly of Bolton Road North, Ramsbottom, exposed his genitals in front of three children who were playing outside in Bury on August 10 last year, Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard.
The children ran away with one of them shouting at him before he left the area.
Prosecutor Robin Kitching said the following day, one of the same children, a girl, was being followed by Graham, who was on a bike.
Again, he exposed himself in front of her and was “smiling” at her and “laughing”.
Graham was reported to police and CCTV footage managed to “track him down” and he was arrested.
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He denied committing the offences at first before later pleaded guilty.
Mr Kitching said the victim was left “really, really scared”.
A victim impact statement prepared by the victim’s mum said the girl is “traumatised” by the experience and fears Graham would “seek revenge” following a prison sentence.
But she wants to make a “difference to protecting other children from this man”.
The court also heard Graham, 33, had committed several previous offences for similar crimes including exposure.
Defending, Aubrey Sampson, pointed to the fact he pleaded guilty to the offences.
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Judge Mark Savill listed the catalogue of offences Graham committed in the past few years and how he has breached court orders imposed upon him.
“Your record is appalling and worrying”, he told the defendant.
Judge Savill added that his behaviour was “vile” and such disgusting acts seem to make him sexually excited.
Due to the serious nature of the case he decided that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.
For two counts of exposure and two breaches of a sexual harm prevention order, Graham was sentenced to three years and two months in jail.
He was also given a sexual harm prevention order and told to pay a £228 victim surcharge fee and his bike was forfeited for destruction.
Following the sentencing, Police Constable David Green, of Greater Manchester Police's Bury North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I would first like to thank the young victims for their resilience and bravery in reporting this incident to the police and giving us the opportunity to put this sexual predator in jail.
“Sexual offences have long-lasting impacts on victims and Greater Manchester Police are committed to preventing this harm.
"We work with a number of specialist partner agencies, so you will never be on your own.
“I hope this result sends a stark warning to offenders that these behaviours will not be tolerated by Greater Manchester Police and that authorities here are committed to ensuring these individuals are convicted to the full extent of the law – by sending convicted sex offenders to prison and monitoring them for life.”
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
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