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Judge in court on exposure charge Woman 'shocked by flashing judge'
(about 2 hours later)
One of Britain's most senior judges has gone on trial charged with exposing himself to a woman on a train. A woman recounted her "embarrassment" when one of England's most senior judges exposed himself to her on a rush-hour train.
Lord Justice Richards faces two counts of exposure on trains in south-west London on 16 and 24 October 2006.Lord Justice Richards faces two counts of exposure on trains in south-west London on 16 and 24 October 2006.
The victim identified the Court of Appeal judge for police on four separate occasions, City of Westminster Magistrates' Court heard. On the first occasion, she thought the "presentable" and "very kind" man was accidentally exposed, the court heard.
Sir Stephen Richards, 56, a father of three from Wimbledon, south London, denies the charges.Sir Stephen Richards, 56, a father of three from Wimbledon, south London, denies the charges.
The victim told the court on the first occasion, he was directly facing her during the journey. The victim identified the Court of Appeal judge on four separate occasions at train stations and even took his picture on a mobile phone, before picking him out at a video identity parade, City of Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.
'Unfathomable reasons' 'Accidental' exposure
She said she did not report it because she thought it was accidental. But she reported the second incident, prosecutors said. Recalling the incident the woman said he had "boxed" her into a corner against the glass panels in the first carriage on the trip from Raynes Park, south-west London to Waterloo.
She identified him on four separate occasions and picked him out at a video identity parade. "Because I was embarrassed and nothing like this had happened to me before, I assumed this was an accident... so I carried on reading my paper.
"Sometimes the gentleman would adjust himself slightly, sometimes his genitals would be exposed and sometimes not as much," she said.
She said the incident lasted about 15 minutes.
But she reported the second incident which occurred a week later, prosecutors said.
'Causing alarm'
Peter Wright QC, prosecuting, said Sir Stephen exposed himself "for what must be unfathomable reasons".Peter Wright QC, prosecuting, said Sir Stephen exposed himself "for what must be unfathomable reasons".
The full charges state he was accused of "intentionally exposing his genitals intending that someone would see them and would be caused alarm or distressed".The full charges state he was accused of "intentionally exposing his genitals intending that someone would see them and would be caused alarm or distressed".
Sir Stephen has overseen several high-profile hearings, including the case brought by the family of Jean Charles de Menezes, seeking action against police officers over the killing of the Brazilian at Stockwell Tube station in south London.Sir Stephen has overseen several high-profile hearings, including the case brought by the family of Jean Charles de Menezes, seeking action against police officers over the killing of the Brazilian at Stockwell Tube station in south London.
The trial is expected to last two days.The trial is expected to last two days.