A man who engaged in a sexual act on a ferris wheel at Download Festival earlier this summer learned of the video’s viral spread only after his employer contacted him, court proceedings revealed.
The 33-year-old civil engineering student, Innes Miller, was identified alongside another woman he met that day after Leicestershire Police launched an investigation following reports from festival-goers who witnessed the incident on the ferris wheel during the afternoon.
As reported by the Daily Star, the couple was seen by other attendees in separate pods, and their actions quickly drew attention. The footage circulated widely online over the weekend, prompting authorities to seek the individuals involved.
Both individuals were located and interviewed by Leicestershire Police. According to Nottingham Post, the woman cooperated fully with investigators and expressed remorse, avoiding prosecution. Miller declined to provide statements to police and faced additional charges related to a prior drug-driving offense. He was charged with outraging public decency and admitted guilt during his court appearance on September 10.
Our only UK show this year, Download Fest was fun! Thank you pic.twitter.com/KjiFpTiwKL
— Guns N’ Roses (@gunsnroses) July 14, 2026
Prosecutor Sally Bedford disclosed that the investigation began after a woman reported the incident to police, stating she was accompanied by her young, autistic son during the event. She described her son’s distress, noting changes in his behavior following the episode.
Miller’s defense attorney argued the incident was perceived as lighthearted by most bystanders, emphasizing that many spectators reacted positively, some clapping. The lawyer contended there was no malicious intent to violate public decency laws, attributing the act to intoxication and asserting that Miller’s discovery of his viral fame through his employer constituted sufficient punishment. He expressed that Miller was deeply ashamed and embarrassed.
Judge Anne Cowan acknowledged the global reach of the online exposure but emphasized its irrelevance to the legal case. She imposed a £80 fine, £85 in court costs, and a £32 victim surcharge. Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, indecent exposure in public can result in fines up to £5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, though prosecutions typically require witness testimony. The event coincided with Guns N’ Roses’ return to Download Festival after a 20-year hiatus, alongside headliners Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park.
