Derby Dad Sentencing Adjourned for Indecent Public Act: Outraged Residents Demand Justice
A 34-year-old Derby father of two has had his sentencing adjourned after being caught carrying out a lewd act in a residential car park. Richard Golding was witnessed by police and other residents engaged in the explicit act, causing outrage among the local community. The judge presiding over the case has requested a pre-sentence report before proceeding with the sentencing.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred at around 12:30 am on June 17th of this year. Two police officers on patrol in the city center were passing through Cavendish Court, a block of residential flats situated in close proximity to the magistrate’s court. As the officers approached, they heard noises and discovered Golding with his trousers down, involved in an explicit act. Upon realizing he had been spotted, Golding hurriedly tried to pull up his trousers and walk away.
The police officers apprehended him, but Golding resisted their attempts to handcuff him. In the process, he raised his left arm and made contact with one of the officers. Statements were taken from two witnesses who observed the defendant from their windows, confirming his indecent behavior in the car park. The fortunate presence of the officers in the area led to Golding’s immediate arrest.
Golding pleaded guilty to outraging public decency and assault of an emergency worker. His defense attorney, Andy Oldroyd, highlighted that Golding’s last encounter with the court was in January 2021 for theft of a bicycle and that he had no prior convictions of a sexual nature. Oldroyd emphasized that Golding was deeply ashamed and regretful of his actions, attributing them to excessive drinking during a night out with his family and friends.
The defendant, who has two young children, aged six and four, had recently separated from his partner. With his mother and aunt assisting in the children’s care, Golding maintains regular contact with them. Apologizing for his reprehensible conduct, Golding expressed his inability to recall the incident due to alcohol consumption, admitting that he should not have been drinking that night.
Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court adjourned Golding’s sentencing, explaining the need for more information about the defendant’s circumstances through a pre-sentence report from the probation service. Philip Hickson, chair of the bench, stressed the gravity of the offense and the need for a comprehensive evaluation before determining an appropriate sentence.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among local residents, who firmly believe that justice must be served. The adjournment of the sentencing has left them anxiously awaiting the outcome of the case. While Golding’s defense attorney highlighted his remorse and lack of previous sexual offenses, the severity of the act cannot be overlooked.
As the date of Golding’s rescheduled sentencing approaches on September 4th, residents hope that the court will impose a fitting penalty, considering the impact of his actions on the community. The incident serves as a stark reminder that antisocial behavior will not be tolerated, especially when it infringes on the rights and safety of others.
While the defense has presented explanations surrounding Golding’s personal circumstances and expressed his shame, the court must weigh these factors against the severity of the offense. The plea for a pre-sentence report indicates a desire to better understand the defendant’s background and the potential risk he may pose to society.
The upcoming sentencing presents an opportunity for justice to be served, reassuring residents that their concerns have been heard. It remains to be seen what consequences await Golding, who now faces the repercussions of his regrettable actions. The community eagerly awaits the court’s decision, hopeful that it will deliver an appropriate and just punishment that reflects the seriousness of the offense committed.