Chester Men Receive Suspended Sentence for Public Indecency on Train

Image credits: Chester Chronicle

The city’s magistrates court has sentenced two men, Mark Elias and Phillip Goodman, to eight weeks, suspended for 12 months, for outraging public decency on a Cheshire train journey. The incident occurred on September 29 last year, when the two men, aged 51 and 37 respectively, were caught performing mutual sex acts on each other in front of other passengers on a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Chester. Prosecutor Gabriella Orthodoxou presented the facts of the case, stating that Elias, a radiologist doctor in Manchester, removed his trousers to receive oral sex in the corridor, while Goodman also participated in the act.

The pair were identified through CCTV and arrested in November 2024, with both men claiming they had no memory of the incident due to consuming alcohol. Defending Elias, Cheryl Mottram reminded the magistrates of her client’s early guilty plea and stated that the incident was observed by a train conductor, but not necessarily by other passengers. Mottram also highlighted Elias’s issues in his past and his struggles with stress, which led him to turn to alcohol. Goodman appeared unpresented but supplied references and apologized for his actions, expressing deep shame and regret.

The chairman of the bench, Jane Davies, stated that the pair’s behavior had crossed the custody threshold, but considered their previous good character and potential for rehabilitation. The court weighed up both sides and measured the seriousness of the offense, considering guidelines for exposure and sex acts in public places. Both men were given 20 rehabilitation activity days and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154 and £85 in costs. The case highlights the importance of considering the circumstances and character of the individuals involved in such incidents, as well as the need for rehabilitation and restorative justice.

In other news, a village near the Welsh border, Hoole in Chester, has been named as one of the coolest places to live in the UK. The village is known for its independent shops, bars, and bistros, as well as its attractive Victorian terraces. The area has been praised for its “indie spirit and cool café culture”, with establishments such as Sticky Walnut, Okells, and Little Yellow Pig offering a range of food and drink options. The village is also home to a number of young families who have relocated from London for more space and reputable state schools.

The recognition of Hoole as a trendy suburb is not new, as it won an award for the Great British High Street of the Year in 2016. The area has maintained its charm and appeal, with The Times recently ranking the CH2 postcode area among the top 11 hippest postcodes in the nation. Local business owners, such as Leann Shaw and Kevin Bartlett, have praised the area for its social shopping experience and high-quality produce. However, some residents, such as Sophie, have expressed concerns about the high rents and property prices, which can make it difficult for people to afford living in the area. The village’s popularity is likely to continue, with its unique blend of independent shops, restaurants, and community events making it an attractive place to live and visit.