James Hortop, 40, of Dennis Street, Swindon, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison at Swindon Magistrates’ Court following repeated incidents of public indecent exposure. Wiltshire Police confirmed the custodial sentence was imposed after Hortop breached a previously suspended sentence by exposing himself multiple times in public.
Hortop initially received a 26-week suspended sentence on April 7, 2025, after flashing neighbours. However, just five weeks later, he was arrested again after being caught indecently exposing himself on three separate occasions.
On April 30, 2025, Hortop was reported to have staggered onto a garage forecourt wearing only a dressing gown, with his genitals fully exposed. Witnesses stated that he was masturbating openly in front of two women. This serious breach of the law led the court to impose a custodial sentence instead of leniency.
Hortop remains subject to previous restraining orders, and his Sexual Harm Prevention Order has been extended. He is required to register as a sex offender for 14 years.
Dan Cook, Volume Crime Team Supervisor, said: “Public reporting is vital for teams like Response, MOSOVO, and the Volume Crime Team to crack down on offenders. Thanks to the courage of witnesses and seamless teamwork, we secured a swift arrest and custodial sentence with extended protections.”
Wiltshire Police urge anyone who witnesses indecent behaviour to report it immediately. Prompt reporting helps stop repeat offenders and protects the community. If you see suspicious activity, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
