A 50-year-old man from South Croydon has received a community order after being caught in a compromising situation involving a sex doll outside his home. Peter Hudson, residing on The Waldrons, was spared a prison sentence by Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, 23 April 2024, following what was described as an embarrassing public incident.

The event took place at approximately 9:45 pm on 11 October 2024 when Hudson was seen by a neighbour engaging in a sexual act with what appeared to be a sex doll on his doorstep. Prosecutor Judith Benson informed the court that the initial witness, a woman waiting for a taxi with a friend, perceived that Hudson was looking at her during the act. This prompted her to call another friend from a nearby block of flats who subsequently observed Hudson continuing the act through the ground floor window of his flat.

Another neighbour contacted the police who later arrived at the scene. Officers found Hudson inside his flat with the sex doll and what was described as evidence of ejaculation. Judge Elizabeth Smaller confirmed that she had viewed a photograph of the scene during proceedings. Hudson was arrested and charged with outraging public decency, though notably, the sex doll was not taken into police custody. Judge Smaller commented on this, stating, “Whatever one might think or say about it, if it’s in Mr Hudson’s home and can’t be seen by anyone else, then there it is…”

Representing Hudson, defence counsel Katie Bacon described the incident as a ‘coital blunder’ resulting from stress, asserting it was more an act of stupidity than malice. She also highlighted that none of the witnesses had submitted victim impact statements, suggesting there was no ongoing harm resulting from the incident. Hudson was said to appear remorseful throughout the court hearing.

Judge Smaller addressed Hudson directly, remarking on the embarrassment caused by his actions. “What you did on that day last October was embarrassing for everyone who saw it and, I expect, it was probably embarrassing for you in the cold light of day. It was distasteful and it’s caused you a lot of trouble,” she said. The judge further noted that since the flat is a ground floor property, Hudson could be seen through the window, emphasising the distinction between private acts and those visible to others.

The court was also presented with evidence from a probation officer who described Hudson as ‘stressed, lonely, isolated, and probably bored’. The officer recommended that Hudson should work on ‘developing his social capital’. Taking these factors and his previously good character into consideration, the judge decided against imprisonment, imposing a 12-month community order accompanied by a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement. Hudson was also ordered to pay £70 in costs, a reduction from the £1,500 initially requested by the prosecution.

Additionally, Hudson was fined £20 for failing to surrender to the court on one occasion due to difficulties managing his diary. As the court session concluded, Judge Smaller expressed the hope that Hudson would not return to court, to which he replied with a quip: “In the nicest possible way, I hope not too, judge.”

This case highlights a rare example of legal proceedings arising from a public incident involving a sex doll, emphasising the court’s balance between upholding public decency and recognising personal circumstances.

Source: Noah Wire Services