County Durham Man Convicted of Flashing at Popular Beauty Spot

A man has been convicted of exposing his genitals at members of the public at a popular County Durham beauty spot.

David Moore, 24, of Mendip Avenue, Chester-le-Street, admitted three charges of outraging public decency when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court.

He also admitted charges of harassment without violence and driving without insurance.

The charges relate to three incidents that took place at Waldridge Fell, Chester-le-Street, between 11th and 26th September 2019.

Magistrates heard that Moore visited the beauty spot, because he had previously had consensual sexual activity with couples and women at the site and was seeking further sexual encounters.

John Garside, prosecuting, said: "One victim was walking her dog on 11th September at around 1.45pm and when she returned to her vehicle and saw a man parked next to her car.

"As she approached the male has asked her where the nearest McDonald's was, she bent down and as she did she seen his hand moving up and down.

"She said it was not something she wanted to see and she quickly got in her car and drove off.

"She said the incident left her feeling spooked and she was worried the defendant might follow her."

Mr Garside added: "The male defendant stood next to another woman and said 'you are looking very sexy this morning' whilst holding his penis and adding 'what do you think of this?'.

"She told him he could put that away for a start and said she was not impressed and not interested.

"She says she was left very shaken and now does not use the area for dog-walking anymore."

The statement of a third victim, who was walking her dog in the same area on the morning of 9th September, was read to the court.

"I stroked his dog and he politely said 'may I say you are looking lovely' whilst grabbing his crotch," the witness said.

In mitigation Moore said that he was ashamed and remorseful about his actions.

Magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report and adjourned sentencing until Tuesday, 12th November.

Moore was granted conditional bail until that date.