A former Kent Police sergeant has been slapped with a five-year sexual risk order after repeatedly masturbating naked near a children’s play area at Horsted Valley nature reserve in Chatham. Simon Ince, 52, was sacked in 2024 following the incidents but avoided a criminal conviction due to insufficient eyewitness evidence. The court imposed strict conditions banning Ince from removing underwear or urinating in public outside toilets, and from entering the nature reserve.
Multiple Public Incidents
Ince was first spotted naked by dog walkers in February 2024, who later photographed him near the bushes at Horsted Valley. Police arrived after an arrest triggered by body-worn camera footage showing Ince fleeing through undergrowth. Ince denied wrongdoing, claiming he removed his clothes to cool down after running.
Evidence From Phone
Searches of Ince’s phone revealed images from August and September 2023 showing him naked at the same location and a video of him masturbating. He said the images were for his partner, but his wife denied awareness of this material.
Judge Rejects Defense
Judge Roy Brown dismissed Ince’s explanation, ruling the behaviour was for sexual gratification. He was found to have acted on at least four occasions, with the judge branding Ince’s evidence “evasive and untruthful.” The judge criticised Ince for the denial and lack of steps to address his behaviour despite mental health support.
Police And Court Response
Kent Police’s Chief Constable Tim Smith confirmed Ince’s dismissal for seeking sexual gratification in public, noting the risk to children at the play area. Detective Superintendent Mat Scott welcomed the sexual risk order, pledging strict monitoring to protect the public. Ince must also pay £2,516 in costs.
