Man allegedly masturbated on Athy street

A MAN who allegedly flashed and masturbated on an Athy street in broad daylight will have to return to court in a fortnight to hear where the DPP has ruled his case will be heard. The man, who is of retirement age, with an address a few miles outside of Athy, was appearing in the local District Court last week (24 February) charged under Section 45 of Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act. Judge Desmond Zaidan asked Sergeant Dave Hanrahan to outline the allegations.

“It is alleged that on 4 April 2025 the (named man) exposed his genitals and masturbated on Stanhope Street in the afternoon,” said the sergeant.  Defending solicitor Seamus Taaffe made it known that his client was going to vigorously deny these allegations, and was pleading not guilty. 

“That’s where cars drive up and down!” said Judge Desmond Zaidan after he was told exactly where Stanhope Street is. “(The defendant) was reported to gardaí by a female,” added the sergeant.

“There may be a medical reason for what happened in that street,” said Mr Taaffe.

The defendant was remanded on continuing bail until 10 March.

Given the sensitive nature of the allegations, and his presumption of innocence, Judge Zaidan said: “For now I’ll withhold his name, but will allow the media to report the details."