Arrest over sex in public video

A MAN from Gateshead has been charged after a video emerged on social media of two people having sex in Liverpool city centre.

Joe Firby, 23, was arrested on Monday in the Gateshead area by Northumbria Police, on behalf of Merseyside Police, and was taken into custody.

Police confirmed on Tuesday that he has now been charged with outraging public decency. He will appear in Liverpool magistrates’ court on Tuesday, September 20. Meanwhile, police also charged Kelly Cousins, 35, of Merton Road, Bootle with outraging public decency.

It comes after a video was circulated on social media appearing to show two people having sex in full view of passersby last week in Concert Square, Liverpool City Centre. Other clips shared on social media also appeared to show a man and woman having sex on Bold Street and on a Merseyrail train, the Liverpool Echo reports.

Superintendent Diane Pownall, of Merseyside Police Liverpool Community Policing team, said: “We would urge people to refrain from sharing the video on social media and instead report anything they know about the video, or those involved, to us so that we can investigate.

“Merseyside Police will not tolerate illegal acts of public indecency on our streets. All year round we work tirelessly with local businesses, Liverpool City Council and other partners to make sure that our City Centre is a safe place for people to come and visit.

“We are clear that we won’t let such unacceptable behaviour from a small minority of people tarnish the reputation of our city.”