Townsville bus flasher targets schoolgirl as police investigate

Police are investigating after a man allegedly exposed himself to a schoolgirl before committing an obscene act on a crowded Townsville bus. CONTENT WARNING.

Police are investigating reports of a man exposing himself to a teenage girl, before committing an indecent act in public on a Townsville bus.

Police are investigating after a man allegedly exposed himself to a schoolgirl before committing an obscene act on a crowded Townsville bus.

The girl’s mum, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, said her teenage daughter was still “too petrified” to get on a bus nine weeks after the alleged incident occurred.

She said the Pimlico State High School student caught the bus and was on her way home when a male passenger approached her at about 3.30pm on November 25.

“He sat directly opposite my daughter,” she said.

“He pulled down his pants, exposing himself and began masturbating while looking at her.

“It was a disgusting act.

“She got off as soon as she could. She didn’t tell the bus driver at the time. She was so uncomfortable. She just wanted to leave.”

Police have confirmed the Townsville Child Protection, and Investigation Unit is still investigating the incident, with detectives appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Until the alleged offender is caught, the girl’s mother says she is concerned he will do it again.

“If he’s allowed to get away with this kind of behaviour in a public place — how is this going to escalate?” she said.

“I’m worried the same thing will happen to other kids. Parents out there should know.”

She said their family was frustrated the bus company wasn’t able to capture CCTV footage of the alleged incident which would have helped with the police investigation.

A spokesman from the Kinetic bus company said: “We regret that following an inquiry from QPS in relation to this alleged incident, it was determined CCTV did not successfully capture the alleged incident.”

“Kinetic will continue to support QPS with its inquiries into this matter.

“Everyone should feel safe and comfortable using public transport and Kinetic takes the safety of children extremely seriously.”

A Department of Education spokeswoman said it was aware of an incident involving Pimlico State High School students that happened after school hours in Term 4, 2022.

“The school has applied appropriate consequences in line with the school’s Student Code of Conduct,” she said.

“No further details can be provided due to ongoing police investigations.

“As part of the school’s communication of behaviour expectations to all students, explicit reminders about safe and respectful behaviour in public are frequently given.”

Originally published as Townsville bus flasher targets schoolgirl as police investigate