Man Who Flashed on South London Bus Escapes Jail

Caine Sparkes, 41, was spared jail after admitting to exposing himself on a crowded bus in South London. The incident occurred on November 9, 2022, on a 155 bus running between Elephant and Castle and Tooting. Sparkes, who lives in Wandsworth, was sitting on the lower deck of the bus when he pulled his genitals over the waistband of his trousers on several occasions, according to prosecutor Alex Ng.

"It was brief exposures, from the CCTV. He took it out and he had a look at himself, rather than intending for others to look at it," Ng told Inner London Crown Court on April 9.

A witness reported the incident to the police, but refused to provide their details. However, the call and CCTV footage were sufficient to secure a conviction. Sparkes was arrested on December 19 at his supported living home.

At Croydon Magistrates' Court, Sparkes pleaded guilty to a single count of exposure. He was also charged with failing to pay a bus fare, but this was not mentioned at the sentencing hearing. Sparkes has a history of offenses, including a previous conviction for outraging public decency in 2007 and several low-level thefts.

The judge acknowledged Sparkes' mental health issues and the support he receives from Hestia, a supported living organization. A 12-month Community Order was imposed, including a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and 10 days of rehabilitation activity requirement to prevent future incidents.

"Providing you comply with the order, all will be well. If you fail to comply, without reasonable excuses, you may be brought back to court and resentenced," Judge Ian Darling warned Sparkes.