OAP public transport sex pest faces possible life sentence (From The Northern Echo)

OAP public transport sex pest faces possible life sentence

2:30pm Saturday 4th February 2012 in News By Bruce Unwin, Chief Reporter (Durham)

A PERVERTED pensioner who became a public transport sex pest was yesterday jailed for two years and eight months.

But, Gordon Catchpole was told that he will be at risk of an indeterminate sentence of possible life duration should he commit another sex offence.

The warning was given to the 73-year-old prolific offender by Judge Christopher Prince who also banned him from using public transport when schoolchildren are likely to be travelling.

Catchpole previously admitted two counts of sexual touching, relating to girls aged 11 and 15, who he sat alongside on buses before stroking their legs.

In both cases he appeared intoxicated and spoke inappropriately, making suggestive remarks to the girls, who were each wearing school uniforms.

Martin Towers, prosecuting, said one got off the bus before her usual stop to escape his attentions, while the ordeal of the other girl only ended when another pupil intervened and distracted him.

“You’re 73 and have an appalling record of public order offences, exposing yourself, other sex offences and assault.

Judge Christopher Prince

One offence took place on a bus from Chester-le-Street to Gateshead and the other between Sunderland and South Shields, in June and July last year.

Scott Smith, mitigating, conceded the latest offences were unsavoury in nature, both after Catchpole had been drinking, but added that he has spent 190 days in custody since his arrest.

Judge Prince adjourned sentence on Catchpole a week earlier as he wanted to know more about his extensive offending history.

The court was told yesterday that his record features many offences of an indecent nature, going back 46 years, some of which were in similar situations on public transport.

Jailing Catchpole, of Beach Road, South Shields, to consecutive 16 month sentences for the latest two offences, Judge Prince told him: “You’re 73 and have an appalling record of public order offences, exposing yourself, other sex offences and assault.

“You have shown no intention of desisting.

“I’m giving you a clear warning.

"If you are back before a court I will invite the case to be placed before me.

“If you come back before me I will consider passing an indeterminate sentence.

“Putting it bluntly, that may very well mean you would never be released from custody.”

When he is released from prison, Catchpole, who must sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, will be prohibited from public transport, with the exception of from 9.30am to 2.30pm, and 5.30pm to 7.30am, unless he has secured the prior approval of police.