A “DANGEROUS sex offender” with multiple convictions for indecent exposure has been found guilty of touching himself sexually within the view of a 14-year-old girl on a bus.
Kevin Andrew Lochhead (57) was yesterday convicted of one charge of causing a child to watch a sexual act following a two-day trial by Jurats in the Royal Court.
The States police praised the “utmost courage” demonstrated by the teenager involved in the case whose “bravery shows that young people in Jersey will not tolerate indecent behaviour”, following Lochhead’s conviction.
Giving evidence from behind a screen during the trial, the girl said she was sitting on the top deck of the bus with a friend when a man came and sat just behind them, passing a number of other empty seats.
After the friend got off, the teenager said she saw the man masturbating.
She reported the incident to her mother, who then contacted the police.
Advocate Christina Hall, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Lochhead – who has numerous previous convictions for indecent exposure – had a “sexual interest in young girls”.
“It is the fact that he does it in public that causes the sexual gratification for him,” she added.
Advocate Hall described the teenager as “a believable witness” and said: “She is deeply affected by what she saw.
“She is not mistaken. She knows what she saw.”
Answering questions from Advocate James Bell, defending, Lochhead claimed he sat on the upper deck of a double-decker bus towards the back because he felt “social shame” due to his previous offending.
Following the conviction, Acting Police Sergeant, Rosanne Mews, said: “The outcome in court accurately reflects the behaviour of Lochhead. Lochhead is a dangerous sex offender who has repeatedly shown that he will continue to offend to satisfy his sexual desires towards young people. Throughout this trial, the young people involved have demonstrated the utmost courage. Their bravery shows that young people in Jersey will not tolerate indecent behaviour.”
She added: “I hope the outcome today shows that the States of Jersey Police will always listen to and investigate allegations of this nature. We take allegations of exposure very seriously and will robustly seek prosecution. We will support you throughout the process, alongside our partner agencies.”
Commissioner Sir William Bailhache was presiding with Jurats Austin-Vautier and Opferman sitting.
Lochhead has been granted short-term bail until midday on 4 February and will then be remanded in custody for sentencing on 24 March.
