This article is from page 4 of the 2006-07-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
GARDAÍ have appealed to a court to impose strict bail conditions on a man who allegedly exposed himself in front of schoolgirls in Shannon.
The 29-year-old Shannon man is accused of three charges of indecency, arising out of two alleged incidents outside schools in Shannon and another at a housing estate.
It is alleged he exposed himself in front of primary school students at St Senan’s national school, Shannon, on June 24, 2004. He is also alleged to have exposed himself in front of a nine-year-old girl, at Dún an Óir, Shannon, on June 21, 2005.
A third charge relates to an alleged incident at St Tola’s national school, Shannon, on September 13, 2005, when it is a alleged he exposed himself to a female person.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told Shannon District Court that gardaí in Shannon were concerned about the accused’s ongoing behaviour.
“Unfortunately the incidents have been happening during the day,” he said.
Judge Joseph Mangan asked whether incidents occur recently.
The inspector said there were recent complaints, and gardaí in Shannon felt the accused was not taking the matter seriously enough.
Defending solicitor Gearóid Howard pointed out that there were no charges in relation to recent incidents before the court.
Sergeant-in-charge of Shannon Garda Station, Sgt Dermot O’Connor said, “There is a concern with the defendant’s behaviour in Shannon at the moment. There are two incidents under investigation . . . similar to what is before the court.
“We would be dealing with daylight hours and alcohol is not a factor,” added Sgt O’Connor.
Mr Howard said his client “needs treatment and he needs it badly.”
He said various reports which were compiled – including psychiatrist and psychological reports and a report from the Grenada Institute for sex offenders – suggested that the accused was not a candidate for jail.
Inspector Kennedy said the accused tended to “hang around Shannon Town Centre. We are looking to have him confined from that.”
Judge Joseph Mangan remanded the accused on bail, on a number of conditions. These included that he not loiter alone in Shannon Town Centre and that he be confined to his home, when not working. If he was to leave his home, he must do so with a named member of his family.
He adjourned the case until later this year.