VILE ‘flashing’ crimes across the region are going unpunished in the vast majority of cases, worrying figures suggest.

More than 500 exposure incidents were recorded by West Yorkshire Police between the beginning of April 2019 and the end of March last year, but analysis by the Telegraph & Argus, shows that just eight per cent of those resulted in a charge or summons.

Evidential difficulties mean perpetrators are often not brought to justice, potentially enabling them to go on and offend again.

Rape Crisis highlighted how this type of crime is sometimes treated as something ‘funny’, but said it is often upsetting and scary for the victim or survivor and can make them feel unsafe.

The organisation said it can have a long-term impact on their wellbeing.

Where cases are heard by the courts and a perpetrator punished, the toll on victims is clear to see.

Last month, Stephen Parkes, of Granville Street, Clayton, appeared before Bradford Crown Court to be sentenced for exposure.

A woman motorist was left “disgusted and embarrassed” when he exposed his naked buttocks in front of her car and then played with his penis in the middle of the road.

The 52-year-old was sentenced to five months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with up to 25 rehabilitation activity days with the probation service.

In another case, a teenager repeatedly exposed himself to female doctors during online appointments, leaving them violated and disgusted.

Umar Malik, 19, of Upper Woodlands Road, off Toller Lane, was sentenced to six months detention suspended for two years.

West Yorkshire Police said it takes all reports of sexual offences seriously and all reported offences are investigated. 

The force added that victims are offered appropriate specialist after-care support.
Alison Lowe, the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said the number of people being charged for sexual offences is “unacceptably low” and agencies across the country are looking at what needs to change.

She said: “Sexual offending of all types is an area of particular concern for the Mayor and I, and whilst it does affect everyone, it is an issue that affects women and girls disproportionately.

“That is why the Mayor made the safety of women and girls a key pledge and it will sit at the heart of the upcoming Police and Crime Plan.

“A host of work is taking place to tackle these issues such as the ongoing Safer Street projects, looking at increasing the safety of women and girls in parks and on public transport with multi-agency days of action, training for frontline staff, active bystander training, personal safety training as well as further research and confidence building initiatives.”

She added: “Specifically in indecent exposure cases, there are complex contributing factors, in particular around difficulty identifying the suspect for various reasons, which does provide an evidential challenge.

“We will be working with the police, CPS, courts and other partners such as local rape crisis and ISVA providers to see what more needs to be done, and to ensure we are collectively delivering a joined up and effective service, which meets victims needs and expectations.

“What is absolutely crucial is that anyone affected by these issues reports them to the police or Crimestoppers as soon as they can.

“Not only does that provide the best chance of bringing the offender to justice, it also means you can receive appropriate care and support.

“Victims can contact Victim Support at any time to access free and confidential support, call 0300 303 1971or visit www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/live-chat.”