A man and woman suspected of having sex in front of hundreds of people in Concert Square have been named by police.
Merseyside police have charged Joe Firby, from Gateshead in the North East, and Kelly Cousins, of Merton Road, Bootle, with outraging public decency. The force launched an investigation after videos began circulating on Tuesday, August 2, appearing to show a couple performing sex acts yards from the entrance of Einsten Bier Haus and in full view of bystanders.
Other clips shared on social media also appeared to show a man and woman having sex on Bold Street and on a Merseyrail train. Both suspects are set to appear in Liverpool magistrates' court on Tuesday, September 20.
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Cousins, 35, was questioned by police three days after the footage was shared online and charged on Friday, August 5. Firby, 23, was arrested on Monday, August 8, by Northumbria Police on behalf of Merseyside police. He was later charged.
Mayor Joanne Anderson shared her anger at the videos and said she had been liaising with Merseyside Police. Mayor Anderson tweeted: "I am extremely shocked and concerned at videos circulating showing acts of indecent exposure and sexual activity in our city. This isn’t amusing – it’s disturbing, damaging and an illegal act.
"It also sets a dangerous precedent for the young women and men of our city. Let me be clear – this is a criminal offence. Acts of indecent behaviour in public places in Liverpool is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated. I have spoken with Merseyside Police and requested immediate and appropriate action."
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 and, rest assured, we are working to find those responsible and bring them to justice. 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 and experience our nightlife.
"We are clear that we won’t let such unacceptable behaviour from a small minority of people tarnish the reputation of our city, so please, come forward with any information and we will take action."
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