Philip Harding 72

Description

A repeat sex offender has been jailed for indecently exposing himself in a store in Devizes.

On 31 May, Philip Harding, 72, of the Lye, Seend, was seen inside a charity shop in the Brittox exposing and then pleasuring himself in the presence of the victim and his young daughter.

Following enquiries, Harding was identified and arrested with the offence.

He was subsequently charged with indecent exposure, to which he pleaded guilty.

At a hearing on Friday (18/07), he was jailed for 12 months.

A sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) was also imposed for 10 years, which will place restrictions upon Harding.

Local Crime Investigator Shonna O’Harney, based in the Volume Crime Team, said:

“Harding is a prolific offender and we are aware of the community concern around him.

“Indecent exposure is a serious offence with potentially significant impacts upon victims.

“We have also seen that it can also lead to more serious contact sexual offences and violence.

“I’m pleased that the courts have recognised the severity of Harding’s offending and imposed a custodial sentence, plus a SHPO to protect the public.

“I’d also like to thank the victim for coming forward and reporting the incident to us. Support from the community is absolutely vital to allow us to investigate these types of offences.”