An amorous Chester couple have been convicted of outraging public decency after engaging in a spot of early morning coitus in the city centre.
Fraser Connelly, 39, and Sophie Lennon, 36, both of no fixed abode, each admitted an offence of outraging public decency when they appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court on Friday, 5th December 2025.
Outraging public decency is an offence at common law. It is triable either way and has a maximum sentence of 12 months' custody and/or a fine at level 5 (unlimited) on summary conviction; an unlimited (theoretically) period in custody and/or an fine at level 5 (unlimited) on conviction on indictment.
Magistrates heard that the offence took place during the early hours of Saturday, 11th November 2025. CCTV operators observed the couple in action for 20 minutes, presumably just to be sure of what they were up to.
Marta Pawlowska, prosecuting, told the court that the couple were on The Rows, close to Rosie's nightclub, which had closed only a short time earlier. There was therefore some concern that early morning revellers might have copped an eyeful.
The court heard that Connelly made significant comment on his arrest, along the lines of: "Arrested for shagging? I'm horny and homeless. What can I say? I'm sorry."
Both defendants were subject to a community order at the time of the offence.
Richard Thomas, mitigating for Lennon, said that his client was "very embarrassed" at having to appear in court. She had not been interviewed, as the CCTV footage was "sufficient evidence".
Richard Sibbeon, mitigating for Connelly, said his client was "embarrassed and ashamed" at what had happened.
Mr Sibbeon added that the couple had been "overtaken by romantic feeling" and found a "relatively secluded" spot.
Magistrates fined each defendant £50 and ordered them to pay £85 towards prosecution costs and £20 surcharge.
In a similar situation I think I might have been inclined to keep them in for the day, instead of depleting their already very limited means.
4 comments:
Surcharge on a £50 fine is £20.
Yes, it should be, you're right - corrected it.
Let me see if I have this right.
The CCTV operator was compelled to watch for 20 mins to make sure he/she was suitably outraged. No-one else complained, nor was there a queue of people similarly outraged. No evidence of outraged passers-by. No evidence of anyone witnessing it, other than the CCTV operator.
Absolute Discharge, with a comment about finding real crimes.
Inclined to agree with Chris unless there are other details we’re not aware of.
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