Judge jails man who simulated sex in public with mattress

In the dock was Martin Gregory Coll (52), of no fixed abode, who pleaded guilty to the offence, which occurred in August last year.

The court was told Gregory was a convicted sex offender.

Imposing penalty after hearing the evidence, the Crown Court Judge, Philip Babington, described Coll’s behaviour as being a totally unacceptable, disgusting and sordid exhibition.

Judge Babington was told the charges related to an incident that took place in the car park at Lavery Fold in the Asylum Road area of the Cityside.

The Crown Court heard that the 52-year-old defendant was seen going into the car park at Lavery Fold in the early hours of the morning by two police officers.

The police officers became suspicious and followed him into the car park.

At this point, the officers found the defendant on a mattress, behind a fence and they also heard muffled moaning sounds.

The Crown Court was told that Coll had his trousers pulled to his knees and was watching a pornographic film on a portable DVD player.

The prosecution said that Coll could be clearly seen by a female police officer who was described as very shocked and aghast at what she saw.

As a result, the 52-year-old was arrested and during police interview he admitted watching a pornographic film and said he was very drunk.

However, he denied simulating sex with a mattress.

The Crown Court heard Coll had 16 relevant previous convictions and was in breach of a number of suspended sentences.

It was also revealed he committed this offence while subject to the notification requirements of the Sex Offenders Register and a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

Counsel Sean Doherty, who appeared for Coll, said it was quite clear Coll had consumed too much alcohol on the night in question.

He added that, thankfully, no member of the public had to witness this event.

Jailing Coll, Judge Babington said the case was aggravated by Coll’s previous offending, and alcohol was no excuse.

He described his behaviour as a totally unacceptable, disgusting and sordid exhibition which could have been seen by many people if they had been awake.

He went on to warn Coll: “If you continue with this type of behaviour you will spend a considerable part of your life in custody.”

Activating Coll’s suspended sentences, Judge Babington also imposed a consecutive three month sentence. As Coll has been on remand he is likely to be released from custody within days.