Former Wes Streeting aide avoids jail after indecent exposure to girl

Samuel Gould, a former aide to UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Labour councillor, received a suspended 22-week prison sentence after pleading guilty to two counts of indecent exposure, including an incident where he exposed himself to a 13-year-old girl and then followed her as she sought help. The court heard that the teenager was left traumatized and afraid to leave her home, while a second woman also reported being distressed after witnessing Gould's actions. Gould resigned from his council position and was suspended from the Labour Party following his conviction. Wes Streeting expressed horror and called for Gould's immediate resignation from public office, emphasizing there are no excuses for his behavior. Local leaders echoed calls for stronger mechanisms to remove councillors convicted of serious crimes. The case has raised concerns about safeguarding and accountability for public officials.