A Swindon man who had previously been handed a suspended prison term for indecent exposure has now been jailed after committing a further offence less than a month later.
James Hortop, aged 40 and of Dennis Street, found himself back before Swindon Magistrates’ Court after being arrested for a third time in five weeks for exposing himself publicly.
Initially sentenced on 7 April to 26 weeks’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months, Hortop was given clear conditions to follow. However, those warnings went unheeded. On 30 April, he was seen on a garage forecourt wearing only a dressing gown, which he then opened to reveal his genitals. He went on to masturbate in full view of two women.
He was arrested and returned to court, where magistrates revoked the suspended sentence and handed him a fifteen-month custodial term. The previous restraining orders and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order remain in force. Additionally, Hortop’s name will now remain on the Sex Offenders Register for a total of fourteen years – an extension of a further seven years from his original listing.
Speaking after the sentencing, Volume Crime Team Supervisor Dan Cook said: “This case shows the value of the public reporting suspicious or disturbing behaviour quickly. Thanks to coordinated efforts across police departments – including MOSOVO and the Volume Crime Team – we were able to take swift action.
“I’d like to personally thank the witnesses whose support made this conviction possible.”
