Man caught on CCTV touching himself in Asda car park

Kevin Wrench, aged 49, of Hamnett Court, Birchwood, was seen by CCTV operators performing a lewd act in the car park of Asda at Birchwood Shopping Centre.

Warrington Magistrates Court heard on Friday how security staff viewing CCTV cameras were drawn by Wrench's 'body language' as he sat in a parked car.

Wrench was caught touching himself on two occasions.

The first incident happened at 4.40pm on May 15.

However, the court heard it was not reported to Cheshire Police.

A second incident then happened on the afternoon of August 30.

Carolyn Viviani, prosecuting, said: "(The defendant) was detected by a CCTV operator who zoomed in on a male driver due to body language and the movement of his arms.

"He formed the opinion he was (touching himself).

"That was not reported to the police at the time.

"At 4.40pm on August 30, the same vehicle was located at the car park at Birchwood Mall.

"(Security staff) started to monitor it on CCTV.

"The same male was present."

Wrench was then challenged by staff.

"The witnesses in this case were were the security staff on duty," said Mrs Viviani.

"They made their way to the car park and confronted the driver.

"The witnesses recalled seeing the driver behaving in the way they'd seen.

"The male and his vehicle were in clear sight of members of the public.

"The defendant was detained and the police were called."

Wrench, wearing a striped polo shirt and jeans in court, pleaded guilty to two counts of outraging public decency.

He has no previous convictions.

Gary Heaven, defending, spoke only to confirm recommendations made in a pre-sentence report carried out by the Probation Service.

No explanation of Wrench's behaviour was given.

Magistrates said they would sentence the defendant in line with the report.

Wrench was given an 18 month supervision order, and ordered to go on a sex offender treatment programme.

He will also pay £195 in fines and costs.