Donegal man in court over lewd sex acts in public

A Donegal Judge has refused jurisdiction in the case of a Donegal pensioner who has been charged with multiple counts of masturbation in a public place.

Judge Sandra Murphy heard details of the alleged offences at Ballyshannon District Court on Friday.

The man, who is aged in his 70s, was charged with alleged incidents under Section 45 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017.

A temporary publication order is in place, which means the man cannot be named at this time for legal reasons.

The court heard details of the four alleged incidents.

One of the incidents is alleged to have occurred at a public car park on a busy afternoon.

Inspector Angela Cummins told the court that five separate witnesses gave statements to gardai.

One member of the public reported observing a man masturbating in a public car park while sitting in a car with the door open. The witness described themselves as being “sick and distressed”.

Another person said they were “shocked” while a third witness told gardai how they too witnessed the lewd act and felt “very uncomfortable”.

A further witness told gardai that the man made direct eye contact and was “shocked” at what they were seeing.

Another person said they felt “sick, violated and disturbed” at seeing the man's crude deed.

The court heard that the man has been charged with similar offences at a different location on three separate dates.

The court was informed that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed summary disposal.

Judge Murphy refused jurisdiction in the matter and the case was adjourned until October 4, 2024 to allow for further directions from the DPP.

Solicitor for the accused man, Mr Rory O'Brien, sought a publication order noting that there are, at this point “a series of charges against a series of individuals”.

A temporary publication order was put in place and submissions can be made in advance of the next court date.