Man masturbated publicly for thrill

A MAN who regularly masturbated in his yard in front of neighbours and passers-by did it for the “thrill of being caught”, a court was told.

A MAN who regularly masturbated in his yard in front of neighbours and passers-by did it for the "thrill of being caught", a court was told.

Joshua Nathan Walker, 24, was arrested after his female neighbour approached police about his bizarre ongoing behaviour earlier this week.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Barry Stevens yesterday told Bundaberg Magistrates Court the man's neighbour was walking up her driveway about 4pm on Friday when she noticed Walker standing naked next door in his yard.

"He started to masturbate and turned in the same direction as her and followed her movements," Sgt Stevens said.

"When she went inside, he continued to masturbate while sitting on his doorstep."

Sgt Stevens said days later, the Svensson Heights man appeared naked at the woman's front door and knocked. She rushed to lock up the house while he continued to knock on her windows and doors.

"Another neighbour said he often sees (Walker) masturbating," Sgt Stevens said.

"He said he had done it in front of two teen boys."

When police confronted Walker, he told them he regularly masturbated outside.

"He said he masturbates outside for the thrill of being caught," Sgt Stevens said.

"He said it aroused him to be in public where the thought of being caught was exhilarating."

Sgt Stevens said police were concerned about Walker returning to his home, where he would be in close proximity to his neighbours.

"Police believe, if released, he will continue this behaviour," he said.

"This is very confronting to members of the public."

Sgt Stevens said police had arranged for the man to receive counselling.

Walker yesterday applied for bail but, at the last moment, decided to plead guilty to three counts of committing an indecent act with intent to insult or offend.

He had originally been charged with indecent treatment of a child for masturbating in front of the teenage boys, but this charge was downgraded in return for his guilty plea.

Lawyer Thomas Bray appeared for Walker and said his client acknowledged that he had a problem.

"He is employed full time," Mr Bray said.

"He is married and has lived in Bundaberg for 10 years."

Mr Bray said during the bail application if the magistrate was concerned about him living near the victims, he could stay with his mother.

"This is obviously a difficult scenario," he said.

Magistrate Jennifer Batts adjourned Walker's sentencing until today.

Originally published as Man masturbated publicly for thrill