Man performed sexual act on Kildare street, court hears
Image for illustration purpose
A MAN was convicted of masturbating in public on a Monasterevin street when he appeared before a court last week.
The 46-year-old, who cannot be identified on the instructions of Judge Andrew Cody, pleaded guilty to exposing his genitals intending to cause fear, distress or alarm to another person in a car at Main Street, Monasterevin on 9 April 2024.
At a recent sitting of Portlaoise District Court, defending solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said that his client had no previous convictions.
He said the offence was “an unusual type of a case for him at this stage of his life. He had an issue with alcohol and had consumed about three or four pints the night before and was looking to get into a public house early the morning after.
“He was looking at a video on his phone in his car when a lady passed by and he was masturbating. He tried to engage with the lady. He is totally ashamed and highly remorseful. He has a letter of apology for the victim and, as a start, has €500 in compensation for the lady.”
“It seemed to have been an isolated case,” said Mr Fitzgerald.
Judge Andrew Cody noted that the defendant had €500 to offer the court “as a start” and wanted to know how much more the defendant could offer, to which Mr Fitzgerald said: “He has six dependents and could raise €4,000 to €5,000.”
Judge Cody said he wanted €5,000 in the next 12 months and adjourned the case to 23 March 2026 for an updated probation report and €2,000 in court at that time.
