Engineer Martin Wells in Maroochydore court for wilful exposure

A Sunshine Coast mother was “disgusted” when she spotted a naked man touching his genitals at his front window in full view of a busload of children.

Martin Wells

A Sunshine Coast engineer never in trouble with the law before has faced court for exposing himself to a bus full of children and touching himself in their view.

Martin Wells, 63, was fined $1000 after pleading guilty to two counts of wilful exposure in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on October 5, 2022.

Police prosecutor David Hoffman said Wells was inside his house when he exposed himself at 8.10am on July 20, 20222, to a middle-aged woman.

The woman told police she was putting her child into a maxi taxi that had five other children on board when she saw Wells standing at a large glass window.

“She could see he had his clothing pulled completely down around his ankles ... his legs were partially spread apart with his arms dangling down between them,” Senior Constable Hoffman said.

Martin Wells leaves Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

“The defendant touched his exposed penis ... the victim was disgusted given he was exposing himself in front of a bus of children.”

The next day on July 21, 2022, Wells was at the same window when he exposed his genitals to a child.

The victim child said he could see Wells “showing his privates to me on purpose” and said the 63-year-old was “grabbing at” his penis.

“He was wanting me to see it,” the victim told police.

Senior Constable Hoffman told the court Wells declined to be interviewed.

Defence solicitor Patricija Grigutytė said her client had apologised to both victims and had no criminal history.

Ms Grigutytė said Wells previously worked as a quality control engineer and had made over 60 blood donations in his life.

Martin Wells leaves Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

“He is embarrassed and regretful for his actions,” Ms Grigutytė said.

“Mr Wells was in his house where he was typically ironing his clothes and dressing most mornings.”

Magistrate Stephanie Tonkin said Wells had humiliated himself in the neighbourhood and people would be staying away from him.

“I’m sure you’ve lost any popularity in your neighbourhood,” Magistrate Tonkin said.

Convictions were recorded.