Roy Fella

Roy Fella, a 52-year-old man from Sunderland, was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court for multiple counts of outraging public decency and possessing indecent images of children. His offences involved standing naked at his living room window with the blinds open and masturbating in plain view of passers-by on a busy street.

The incidents occurred on nine separate occasions, sometimes as early as 7:30am and other times around 5pm or 6pm during tea-time. Witnesses, including women who provided victim impact statements, described feeling shocked, angry, and appalled by Fella's actions. One witness stated: 'I was totally shocked by what I was seeing. It took a few times before I contacted the police. It's a busy street with lots of kids passing. I'm shocked by the whole experience and would not want anyone to witness what I did. I believe this man to be disgusting and it's quite worrying what he will do next.' Another said: 'I feel angry and shocked by the male and his actions. Members of the public should not have to witness these vile acts he was performing at his window. I saw women and children pass when he was masturbating. I was worried a child might see those inappropriate actions.' A third witness added: 'I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I don't know what was he thinking or what else he might be up to.'

Prosecutor Matthew Hopkins detailed during the hearing: 'The defendant would stand at his sitting room window with the blinds open and would masturbate while naked, sometimes in the morning around 7.30 and sometimes later in the evening, about 5 or 6pm, tea-time.' Fella also pleaded guilty to three offences of possessing 84 indecent images of children, depicting youngsters aged between six and 14.

In July, prior to sentencing, the judge deferred the case to allow Fella to demonstrate he could stay out of trouble, which he did. Defending barrister David Callan noted: 'Why a man of good character starts to behave like this when he is 50 is a mystery to him as well as to us. There's no evidence it's linked to the recent stroke he had. He presents with deep shame about his behaviour and has a clear intention to avoid any similar conduct. While there were children around there's no evidence any child saw what happened, but I accept they could have done.'

The case was reported by Chronicle Live, with court reporting by Rob Kennedy, highlighting the public nature of the offences in Sunderland, North East England.