By Paul Higgins
A man has admitted outraging public decency by masturbating in multiple clothing stores.
Standing in the dock of Craigavon Crown Court on Thursday, 34-year-old Paul O’Neill entered guilty pleas to three of the four charges against him.
O’Neill, from Barrack Street in Coalisland, admitted that on 2 May last year he committed a lewd and disgusting act which outraged public decency by masturbating in Dunnes Stores in Rushmere Shopping Centre, just a stones throw from the court house.
The deviant also admitted committing similar acts in Matalan and TK Maxx at Boucher Crescent in Belfast two days later on May 4.
Following the dock confessions a similar charge relating to Sports Direct was marked as left on the books.
His defence counsel said: “This is a man who doesn’t come before the court with any offending of this nature. It is somewhat extremely out of character, and I think a psychologist would help in the understanding of why this came about.”
His Honour Judge Patrick McGurgen ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared in addition to the psychologist’s report.
“In those circumstances, it is in your best interest to cooperate with the probation officer. Your counsel has also indicated that he intends to obtain a psychological report in relation to you. Please ensure that you attend any appointments that are made for you, because it’s very difficult to get such appointments.”
O’Neill was released on continuing bail and will be sentenced on July 3.
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 