In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Martin Richard Lee, then 36, of Hillersdon Terrace, Nenthead, Cumbria, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court for a series of sexual offences. Lee was handed a community order rather than a custodial sentence to facilitate long-term rehabilitation work.
The investigation established that while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, Lee sent “disgusting” and “lewd” images of himself via social media to a 15-year-old girl. The victim reported being left deeply “upset” by the communication. As police investigated this incident, they uncovered earlier “vicious” conduct where Lee had exposed himself to a young woman in an isolated location.
Trial and Victim Impact
Although Lee admitted to the sexual communication with a child, he denied the exposure charge. He was subsequently convicted following a trial, which the victim had to attend. The prosecutor reported that the victim described the court experience as “one of the most frightening days of her life.”
The court heard that Lee was a repeat offender, with a previous conviction for indecent exposure on his record. Recorder Tim Hannam QC concluded that a standard jail term would not be sufficient to address the defendant’s underlying issues and required “specialist” rehabilitation.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Cumbria, Martin Richard Lee was handed the following:
- Community Order: A 36-month order focused on rehabilitation.
- Treatment Program: Mandatory completion of a sexual offending treatment course.
- Curfew: A three-month night-time curfew to restrict his movements.
- Sex Offenders Register: Lee must sign the register for five years.
- Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO): A five-year order imposing strict conditions on his conduct and digital access.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Lee is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Cumbria Police. His history of “persistent” exposure and targeting children via social media means his status remains under “critical” scrutiny.
As a registered sex offender, Lee must comply with strict notification requirements regarding his address and any changes to his circumstances. Cumbria Police state that they will monitor his compliance with the five-year SHPO and his attendance at the mandatory treatment sessions. Any breach of these conditions or further “lewd” behaviour will result in his immediate return to Carlisle Crown Court, where a custodial sentence will be reconsidered.
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