Man held by pregnant woman after exposing himself along canal path

A 33 year old man has pleaded guilty to sexual exposure and assault after being restrained by a pregnant woman along a canal path in Athlone, the Irish Examiner reported. Athlone Garda Brian O'Connor told the court that officers received a call on May 15, 2024, at 11:00 am regarding an incident at Talbot Avenue in Athlone. [1]

The woman was walking along the canal path while her partner was swimming when the man exposed himself to her, according to the Irish Examiner. The woman managed to restrain the man and wait for gardaí to arrive. The man was described in court as very creepy. [1]

Creepiness is defined as the state of causing an unpleasant feeling of fear or unease. People who exhibit predatory behavior or perversion are frequently referred to as creeps. [2]

The Irish Examiner reported that the accused pleaded guilty under section 45 of the Sexual Offences Act for exposing himself in a manner intended to cause distress and alarm, as well as a count of minor assault. The maximum sentence for the exposure charge is two years, alongside a maximum six month term for the minor assault. [1]