A MAN who was caught having sex in public in broad daylight was ‘off his head on booze’ at the time, a court heard.

James Fewtrell was witnessed engaging in sexual intercourse in a car park in front of workers, a family and children.

The 42-year-old was called a disgrace by a passer-by and was later identified by the police.

He was subsequently charged with committing an act of outraging public decency, and he appeared to be sentenced at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, January 10.

Angela Blackmore, prosecuting, told the court that Fewtrell was witnessed by a number of onlookers getting intimate with a co-defendant.

Diane Bennion, aged 54 and of Winmarleigh Street in the town centre, was due to be sentenced earlier this month after pleading guilty to the same charge.

However, she failed to turn up to court, resulting in a bench warrant being issued for her arrest.

Two workers were leaving Pyramid Arts Centre in the town centre and heading to their vehicles in the car park just after 5pm on September 9.

They saw a couple in the loading bay engaging in what appeared to be sexual activity in broad daylight, with children walking nearby as well as a family.

One passer-by called the male a disgrace as he was pulling up his trousers.

The incident was captured on CCTV and those involved were identified by police and summonsed to appear in court.

He was sentenced at Warrington Magistrates Court

He was sentenced at Warrington Magistrates' Court

Ms Blackmore revealed that Fewtrell has 18 previous convictions for 24 offences ranging from 1999 to 2022 and for crimes including public order offences, damage, violence, dishonesty and theft.

In defence of her client, Marcela Salter, spoke of how he has been ‘open, honest and frank’ with the probation service about his long battle with alcohol and drugs.

She said that he has no real recollection of the offence but accepts committing it, and since the offence he has taken steps to engage with support and recovery services.

Ms Salter added that Fewtrell is ‘extremely remorseful and thoroughly ashamed’ of his actions, highlighted through his guilty plea at the first opportunity.

“It would be helpful if the court could give him the opportunity to continue to face the demons he has had for many, many years,” she remarked.

Before sentencing, district judge John McGarva said: “This is a very serious offence. What you did was witnessed by members of the public minding their own business and children.

“It is no excuse that you were so off your head on booze that you do not remember what happened, and in fact that is an aggravating factor.”

However, considering the steps he has taken to address his issues, the court concluded that a custodial sentence was not necessary

Fewtrell, of Weavers Fold in Fairfield, was sentenced to an 18-month community order, including 35 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 80 hours of unpaid work.

He must also pay court costs of £120 and a surcharge to fund victim serviced of £114, both of which will be deducted from his benefits.