'Creepy' flasher restrained by pregnant woman after exposing himself
A 33-year-old man pleaded guilty to sexual exposure and assault after accosting a pregnant woman on a canal path in Athlone. The defendant, who has a history of mental health issues, was restrained by the victim and her partner until authorities arrived.
Why it matters
The case highlights issues regarding public safety, the handling of offenders with mental health diagnoses, and the legal process for sexual offenses.
A “VERY CREEPY” man exposed himself to a pregnant woman along a Midlands canal path until she managed to restrain him and wait for gardaí, a court has heard.
The 33-year-old, who is not being named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to a charge under section 45 of the Sexual Offences Act for exposing himself in a manner that would cause distress and alarm, and a further count of assault.
Athlone Garda Brian O’Connor said that on 15 May 2024, at 11am, a call was received about a person at Talbot Avenue, Athlone.
It came from a woman who had been walking along a canal path while her partner was swimming.
Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court heard she noticed a male in bushes at the canal, and as she went closer, this man emerged, “pulled down the front of his trousers, and started touching his penis”.
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