Wayne Anthony Sharp left limousine passenger reeling after indecent act in Gold Coast car
A limousine driver left a passenger reeling when he committed a vile act in front of them. He has now faced court. WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A terrified limousine passenger got out of the car at a set of traffic lights “to get away from” the driver after he performed an indecent act in front of her.
Wayne Anthony Sharp was driving the woman home on the Gold Coast on March 12 when she spotted him exposing himself and masturbating.
She jumped out of the car when it stopped at traffic lights.
The Carrara man lost his limousine licence after the incident.
The 59-year-old pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday to causing someone to witness a gross act of indecency.
Magistrate Ron Kilner placed him on nine months’ probation and ordered he pay the woman $500 in compensation. No conviction was recorded.
“No doubt (the woman) would have been shocked and distressed by the act that was committed by you,” he said.
Magistrate Kilner said he had taken into account the fact the indecent act was an isolated incident.
Prosecutor Amelia Baker-Smith said Sharp’s offending was serious.
“She was alone in (Sharp’s) car and got out of traffic lights to get away from him,” she said.
“General deterrence is important because women are entitled to feel safe on their journey home.”
Defence lawyer Allanah Patron, of Brooke Winter Solicitors, said the incident was extremely out of character for Sharp and he immediately sought psychological help.
“He has shown remorse as such and is apologetic to the victim,” she said.
When asked why Sharp had committed the act, Ms Patron said there was no explanation apart from a depressed mood.
Ms Patron said Sharp had his limousine licence suspended the day after the incident.
She said Sharp, after years of driving limousines, had started his own business last year.
More Coverage
Originally published as Wayne Anthony Sharp left limousine passenger reeling after indecent act in Gold Coast car
‘Ludicrous’: Criminals, bikies and journalists in same police category
Police and experts are stunned by a new internal directive adding journalists and media “incompatible with QPS values” to a declaration list including criminals and religious extremists.
Fresh twist in Olympic stadium debate
The Olympic stadium debate has taken a fresh twist, with the LNP’s shadow sports minister refusing to rule out a new build despite his leader David Crisafulli appearing to do so just three days ago.