A SHIRLEY man has been jailed for indecently exposing himself to a young girl while she sat near making daisy chains.
Samuel Waltho approached the eight-year-old on a grass verge near Wyndley Swimming Baths in Sutton Coldfield just after midday on May 1.
The 37-year-old stood in bushes and coughed to get the youngster’s attention before exposing his genitals.
A staff member at the centre who’d spotted Waltho acting strangely, running away and hunching down in his car before driving away – according to enquires carried out by neighbourhood officers.
He noted down the BMW’s registration plate which was traced to Waltho’s home address in Union Road, Shirley, where he was arrested less than three hours after the offence.
He denied the offence in police interview but refused to answer any questions – but later admitted indecent exposure and at Birmingham Crown Court on 28 May and was jailed for 20 months.
Detective Sergeant Mark Hickman from the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “The young victim was clearly distraught at what happened – she ran to her mum and eventually managed to explain what had happened.
“Thanks to the alert staff member, and prompt investigation by local officers, Waltho was arrested a short time later the same day. I’d also like to salute the girl’s bravery in disclosing the offence and providing a video interview.
“Waltho has a history of similar offences and can expect to spend much of his time locked away from society unless he accepts support to address his behaviour and offending.”
Waltho also admitted breaching a sexual harm prevention order banning him from having unsupervised access to children.
His sex offender registration requirements have now been extended for life which means he’ll be monitored by specialist officers on his prison release.
