A Swindon Sex Offender, James Hortop, previously sentenced to a suspended term for indecent exposure before his neighbours, has been incarcerated following another incident.
James Hortop, 40, of Dennis Street, Swindon, attracted police scrutiny on three occasions within five weeks and was apprehended twice for exposure crimes. He received an initial term of 26 weeks’ jail, suspended for 18 months, during a hearing on April 7.
James Hortop was apprehended for a third time on April 30 for an additional incidence of indecent exposure after entering a garage forecourt clad solely in a dressing gown, with his genitals visible. James Hortop engaged in masturbation in the presence of two females.
Today at Swindon Magistrates’ Court, James Hortop received a sentence of fifteen months’ jail.
Existing restraining orders and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order are still effective, and James Hortop is now obligated to register as a Sex Offender for an additional seven years, totalling fourteen years.
Volume Crime Team Supervisor Dan Cook said: “I want to reiterate the importance to the public of reporting behaviour like this to the police so that teams such as response, MOSOVO (Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders) and the Volume Crime Team can work collaboratively to bring offenders such as James Hortop to justice.
“The cohesion of the teams has resulted in a swift arrest and subsequent custodial sentence with the previous orders being extended further.
“I’d like to thank the witnesses for their support in this matter and crucial role they have played in securing the outcome.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.