Man jailed 12 months after exposing himself to pregnant woman in Athlone

A 33‑year‑old man received a 12‑month prison sentence after pleading guilty to exposing himself to a pregnant woman on a canal path in Athlone.

The incident occurred on 15 May 2024 at about 11 am when the woman, walking with her partner who was swimming, saw a male in the bushes at Talbot Avenue. He emerged, pulled down his trousers and began touching his penis while staring at her, prompting the victim to describe him as “very creepy”.

When the man attempted to flee, he swung a bag that struck the woman on the side of the head. She managed to restrain him, assisted by her partner, until Gardaí arrived. Garda Brian O’Connor confirmed the victim’s account and noted the accused had six prior Road Traffic Act convictions.

The court heard the accused suffers from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and cannabis‑induced psychosis, but has stabilised in custody. The Director of Public Prosecutions authorised summary disposal, but the case was transferred to the circuit court, which can impose longer terms.

Judge Deirdre Browne sentenced him to 12 months, back‑dated to his entry into custody, noting the assault charge and the Probation Service’s assessment of a risk of reoffending. He remains in prison on remand for other charges.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Liudmyla Shalimova / Pexels.