Man exposed himself to schoolgirls while jogging on Portland

Serial flasher Mark Pittaway exposed himself to young females, mostly in the morning, while jogging around Portland.

His offending spanned a period of more than three years with one girl telling a court she saw him expose himself 'around 30 to 40 times'. One victim said she was 13 when she first saw Pittaway expose himself.

Brave victims told how they had been affected with one saying she was 'disgusted' by the behaviour.

Pittaway, of Portland Bill Road, Portland, appeared at Weymouth Magistrates Court for sentencing following a trial in which he was found guilty of five counts of exposure.

The 60-year-old had denied the charges which relate to a number of incidents between January 1, 2018, and May 3, 2021.

All charges involved him exposing himself on the isle with intent to be seen and to cause alarm or distress.

Prosecuting, Elizabeth Valera, said Pittaway would run on Portland exposing himself, particularly to young females on their way to school or waiting at a bus stop.

Statements were taken from four victims. It was said that Pittaway would jog down the street, often on the same side as them, pull his shorts to one side and expose himself.

Pittaway was arrested on May 4 last year. In interview he denied he had ever exposed himself, but did say 'my shorts are very short'.

Statements from victims were read out in court.

One said: "I have seen the same man since I was 13. It's a shock to see an adult man (exposing himself) as he is heading towards you."

Another victim, who read out her own statement, said she couldn't walk the streets alone in fear that it would happen again.

Another victim, who also read out her own statement, said: "I feel this man is a weirdo and made me feel weird. I'm disgusted by what he has done."

Mitigating, Gillian Jones QC, said the offences didn't involve any more direct contact with the girls other than running past them.

She said devices seized from Pittaway's home found nothing untoward.

Ms Jones said the defendant was 'horrified' by the impact his offending has had on the victims.

The court heard that Pittaway was married and that his wife remained supportive of him and that his offending had had a 'devastating impact' on his young family.

Ms Jones said Pittaway worked as a compliance officer for 35 years and lost his livelihood after he resigned.

"He is a man who can be properly managed and punished in the community," she said.

Chair of the bench, Sara Saunders, told Pittaway the impact of his offending on young female victims was 'immense'.

She said: "The four victims who have given their victim personal statements were very brave.

"The community of Portland deserves to be free of someone behaving in such an inappropriate manner. However, we are going to suspend your sentence because we believe there is a reasonable prospect of you being rehabilitated."

Pittaway was given a 12-month sentence suspended for two years and must undertake 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days, 250 hours of unpaid work and a 12-week curfew from 9pm to 9am, and will be fitted with an electronic tag during that 12-week period.

He must pay £620 towards cost, £150 to each of the four victims and a victim surcharge of £154.

A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was made for five years with conditions that Pittaway not exercise in a public place unless he is wearing long trousers or shorts which are at least knee length with no front fastening, and doesn't go jogging at specific hours or in particular areas of Portland.

The defendant must also register with the police in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for a specified period.