Formby Man Placed On Sex Offenders Register for Five Years

A man living on the Sanderling Park estate in Formby has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years after admitting an exposure offence.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that Stephen Lochhead, 48, performed a sexual act on himself in the front window of his home while in full view of a woman and her child.

The incident took place on 10 October 2024. The court heard that the victim witnessed Lochhead inside his living room wearing only a white T shirt with his trousers down while performing a sexual act in full view of the window.

Following a police investigation, Lochhead was arrested and initially denied the allegation, telling officers he had been “messing around” with his girlfriend and that the complaint had been made up. He later pleaded guilty to one count of exposure.

The court was told the victim suffered severe emotional distress as a result of the incident, requiring talking therapies and prescribed medication.

During sentencing, Judge David Swinnerton imposed a two year high level community order. Lochhead will be supervised by probation services, complete rehabilitation activities, carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and undertake a 12 month alcohol treatment programme.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.

Since news of the case emerged, Formby Bubble has been contacted by a number of residents who say they have concerns about the impact the situation has had on families living on the Sanderling Park estate. Those concerns are separate to the court proceedings and Formby Bubble will only report further information once it has been fully verified.

Anyone affected by sexual offending, harassment or threatening behaviour is encouraged to report incidents to Merseyside Police via 101, or 999 in an emergency.

*This report is based on information heard in open court following the defendant’s guilty plea.