Sex offender arrested at Manchester Pride parade after taking illicit photos of hundreds of women

A registered sex offender has been arrested after taking photos of women at the Manchester Pride parade.

Andrew Smoggie, 51, is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which bans him from taking pictures of any female not known to him while in a public place.

However, GMP officers noticed him acting suspiciously at Saturday’s event and walking round pretending to be making a phone call while his phone was in photo mode.

He was then spotted secretly taking a picture of a woman and was challenged by cops.

They discovered Smoggie was a registered sex offender and that taing photos was a breach of the SHPO against him.

Checks on the phone reveal hundreds of photos of women and it was suspected many were taken at the Pride event.

Smoggie, of Thelwall Lane in Warrington, was charged with a breach of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and pleaded guilty when he appeared before Manchester magistrates on Monday.

What is a SHPO?

A SHPO can also be imposed and remains in place for at least five years - or can be imposed by a court indefinitely – and any breach is a criminal offence.

Conditions for a SHPO can include telling the police what devices they own, who they are in contact with, and – in exceptional cases – limits to where they can and can’t go in the community.

A GMP spokesman said: “If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.”

Support Available:

Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre

Saint Mary’s SARC in Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages.

Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis

Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives.

Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]

Survivors Manchester

Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation.

Call 0161 236 2182