A serial sex offender, Laura Ashleigh Mart, has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after exposing themselves to a 10-year-old girl in Williamson Park, Lancaster. The incident, which occurred on July 18, 2025, took place near a children's play area, despite Mart being subject to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) that prohibited loitering near such locations.
The court heard that the young girl was playing in the park when she noticed a person described as 'a man with long hair and a green jumper' looking at her. The individual then exposed their penis and wiggled it at her before concealing it again. Confused and alarmed, the girl ran to inform her father and friends. Another concerned parent searched the area and discovered Mart hiding in a bush, claiming to be out for a walk. The parent captured photographs of Mart and submitted them to the police.
Following an appeal on social media, Lancashire Police identified Mart, aged 35, from Game Street in Great Harwood. Mart, who was born male but identifies as female and was referred to with she/her pronouns in court, has a history of sexual offences. Previous convictions include three counts of exposure in 2014, 2015, and 2016, as well as breaches of an SHPO in 2017 and 2018. During the investigation, police referred to Mart as male.
- Mart pleaded guilty to indecent exposure and breaching the SHPO.
- In a statement to a probation officer, Mart admitted, 'I could not contain my urges'.
- The court was informed that Mart was prescribed libido-suppressing medication to manage the issue.
At Preston Crown Court, Judge Andrew Jeffries KC addressed Mart's frank admission, stating: 'Your frankness is double-edged. On the one hand it is refreshing that somebody recognises the issues they have and is willing to try and manage them but on the other hand it does expose the danger you currently pose.' The judge highlighted a 'clear pattern of offending' and imposed a sentence of 28 months for the SHPO breach, with six months concurrently for the exposure offence.
Lancashire Police issued a statement upon charging Mart in July 2025: 'We have charged a man as part of an investigation into an indecent exposure in Lancaster. On Friday tea time we were made aware that a man had reportedly exposed himself in woodland close to the play area of Williamson Park on Wyresdale Road. Following enquiries, a 35-year-old man was arrested yesterday in connection with the investigation. After consulting the Crown Prosecution Service, we have charged Laura Ashleigh Mart, 35, of Game Street, Great Harwood, with indecent exposure and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.'
This case underscores the ongoing challenges in managing repeat sexual offenders under prevention orders, as reported by Lancs Live and Manchester Evening News.