An individual with a history of repeating offenses, particularly targeting minors, has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison for his alarming behavior. Formerly known as Raymond Gasson, Peter Melville, a 60-year-old with over 10 prior convictions for sexual crimes, instilled fear in two 12-year-old girls when he attempted to indecently expose himself to them in Covingham, Swindon. Melville, now residing on Highland Road in Portsmouth, admitted to violating a sexual harm prevention order and received a 46-month prison term at Swindon Crown Court on Friday.
The imposed order prohibits Melville from engaging in unsupervised interactions with children. His criminal record includes past convictions for performing lewd acts in front of minors, indecent exposure in Portchester in 2022, and indecent exposure to a child in Waterlooville in 2016. Following the incident in September 2023, firearms officers apprehended Melville near the M4 in Swindon, leading to his immediate detention.
In a statement presented to the court, one of the victims shared the profound impact of Melville’s actions, expressing feelings of insecurity and reluctance to venture outside alone. She described her initial perception of Melville as an ordinary man, only to be traumatized by his subsequent behavior. Another victim recounted her unsettling encounter with Melville, including her desperate efforts to deter him by banging and kicking a nearby door.
Detective Constable Jack Newton commended the victims for their remarkable courage in recalling the distressing ordeal and highlighted Melville’s pattern of targeting vulnerable individuals. Newton emphasized the importance of Melville facing consequences for his actions and expressed satisfaction with the sentence handed down.
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