A 24-year-old man from Hitchin has been jailed after admitting an indecent exposure offence in Purwell Meadows earlier this month.

Police were called at around 2.30pm on Wednesday 8 October following reports that a man had indecently exposed himself to a woman in the popular nature area off Purwell Lane.

Ryan Kirk, of Maylin Close, Hitchin, was arrested and charged before appearing at Hatfield Remand Court on Wednesday 15 October, where he pleaded guilty to indecent exposure.

He was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison. However, following a review by Hertfordshire Probation, Kirk was also recalled to serve the remainder of a previous sentence. His case will be reviewed before any release decision is made.

Detective Inspector Katy Northway, from North Herts Criminal Investigation Department (CID), said:

"This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

The victim was very brave to call the police. Thanks to an excellent public response to our media appeal, Kirk was identified and swift detective work resulted in the arrest and subsequent charge.

I hope this result provides reassurance to members of the public that we take all such reports seriously and will act on them as quickly as we can."

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