Neil Wayne Brodie pleads guilty to exposing penis to young girls at Gold Coast shopping centres, cafes

A 70-year-old man who exposed himself to girls as young as four at Gold Coast shopping centres and eateries told police he was relieved when caught, a court has been told. FULL STORY

Neil Wayne Brodie

A man who exposed his penis to girls as young as four at shopping centres and other public spaces across the Gold Coast has avoided time behind bars.

Neil Wayne Brodie, now 70, targeted little girls – all aged between four and eight – several times at locations such as Harbour Town shopping centre and a Coolangatta cafe between September, 2022 and February, 2023.

CCTV footage released during police investigations into the incidents. Picture: QPS

Crown prosecutor Jessica Guy told Southport District Court that his obscene acts included holding a change-room curtain half-open to expose his penis and sitting at eatery tables near children and their families before revealing or touching his genitalia.

CCTV footage released during police investigations into the incidents. Picture: QPS

Footage of several incidents was played during Brodie’s sentencing, including one clip that showed him following and loitering near a five-year-old girl and her family for several minutes before touching his genitalia through his shorts.

The court was told after Brodie was identified by police, he told officers he was relieved at their involvement because he wanted to address – and end – his offending.

Brodie appeared in court with no criminal history.

Neil Wayne Brodie leaving the Southport watchhouse after being granted bail. Picture: Gemma Ferguson

He spent parts of proceedings with his eyes closed and head resting on his hand, but stood to read out a letter of apology to the court.

Brodie said he wanted to apologise from “the bottom of his heart” to all those affected, adding that he was seeking treatment to ensure he never acted that way again.

“It is difficult to express in words the level of guilt and shame I feel for my behaviour,” he said.

“I will continue doing everything in my power to be a positive member of society – I realise I have done wrong and am prepared to accept the consequences for my actions.”

Defence barrister Veronika Drago, instructed by Potts Lawyers, said her client was now receiving treatment for the long-term and severe mental health concerns – including major depressive disorder and PTSD – that had impaired him.

Ms Drago described the offending as opportunistic and brazen, saying Brodie had raised a family and boasted several strong references attesting to his otherwise good character.

Judge Katarina Prskalo said Brodie was “extremely embarrassed and remorseful” and that his conduct could likely be seen as an aberration given his age and lack of history.

Brodie pleaded guilty to three counts each of indecent treatment of a child under 12 and committing indecent acts.

He was sentenced to 18 months’ jail, wholly suspended for two years.

Originally published as Neil Wayne Brodie pleads guilty to exposing penis to young girls at Gold Coast shopping centres, cafes