• 7 years ago
• Posted in:Child Sexual Abuse, Driving Offences, Misc. non-violent offences, Possession of weapons, Sexual Offences, Violent Offences
• 0
• Author: Thomas Gradgrind
• Tags: Aged 40-49, Autogynephilia, Child victim, Cross dresser, Crossdressing to get attention, England, Gender issues cited as mitigation, Get Out Of Jail Free card, Lancashire, Lawrence Balshaw, Lenient sentence, No jail, Not charged with sexual offence despite sexual element, Offended in car, Suspended sentence, Transvestite, Victim sex unknown, Weapon possession justified because of appearance/trans status, Wig, Women's/child's underwear

Silhouette image via Wikimedia Commons

Lawrence Balshaw, a violent male transvestite, was convicted of dangerous driving and possessing an offensive weapon (a pick-axe handle) at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court in 2008. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for two years, made subject to community supervision for two years and banned from driving for 18 months. Balshaw, 49, was wearing a blonde wig, purple leotard, high-heeled boots and sunglasses when he committed the offences.

Police received reports of a man in women’s clothes, driving a blue Peugeot, winking and making sexual gestures towards children on their way to school. Balshaw drove off at speed and performed dangerous manoeuvres on busy roads in an attempt to evade arrest; the fact that it was extremely fortunate no-one was was hurt or killed due to his dangerous driving was cited in court. His cross-dressing was also referred to as ‘a cry for help’ and he justified possession of an offensive weapon ‘because of his appearance.’

When interviewed Balshaw said he had been following the school bus wearing female clothing to get attention. A doctor had previously told him his behaviour was a form of escapism.

Media reports:

Lancashire Telegraph http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/3613339.Wilpshire_man_in_leotard_and_high_heels_followed_school_bus/  archive

Burnley Express http://www.burnleyexpress.net/news/driving-ban-for-transvestite-in-high-speed-police-chase-1-1685617