A man was sentenced for flashing in Runcorn park and breaching sex offender registry rules, avoiding immediate jail time.
The police charged Williams, age 40, with exposure and not following rules from the sex offender registry. He admitted guilt in court, and sentencing happened later at Warrington Magistrates’ Court.
Valeriya Tonkinson explained the crimes, both of which happened last year in Runcorn on September 19. Williams exposed himself in Town Hall Park, near Boston Avenue. He meant for someone to see it and wanted to cause alarm or distress.
Police also found him in violation of registry rules linked to a prior sex crime. He didn’t register a Monzo card or email and needed to tell Cheshire Police, as required by a court order.
Judge Mary Dowrick said jail was possible due to the crime’s seriousness. She noted he ignored court orders often and had done similar things before when kids were in the park.
Probation suggested rehab could help him, so he didn’t go to jail right away. Williams will serve 20 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. He lives on The Hayes in Runcorn.
He must join the 26-day Building Choices program and undergo 35 days of rehab. He also needs 12 months of mental health help to examine his mental health and social issues that lead to crime.
Williams must sign the registry for seven years and pay £400 in court costs and a £154 victim fee. The court approved taking the money from his benefits.