I note that in your recent report (Wednesday April 19) you state that a man has been banned from certain areas in and around Stroud, including the canal towpath.

He has also been found guilty previously of ‘outraging public decency’ by exposing his genitalia.

It is now recognised that flashing may indicate the start of a process of sexual intimidation that can lead to rape and even murder, and so needs to be taken much more seriously.

Why has this flasher not been given a custodial sentence for his appalling behaviour? And has he not been placed in the Sex Offenders Database for life?

Making an order banning him from certain areas only means he is free to move on to others.

The police need to be more visible (I’ve never seen any near the canal). In fact I am not aware of any patrolling officers either in Stroud or the surrounding villages. Where are they?

I personally avoid walking along the canal towpath knowing that the police are not around ‘to protect females out on their own’.

Women need much more positive action from the Magistrates and the Police.

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