John Paul Nguyen busted performing lewd act at Highpoint Shopping Centre
A newly married bible study leader has sinned in the most graphic way, strutting about a busy Melbourne shopping centre in a state of arousal before committing an obscene act.
West
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A newly married bible study teacher has suffered a downfall after repeat vile offending at a busy Melbourne shopping centre
John Paul Nguyen pleaded guilty at the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court to indecent exposure in a public place following a change room incident at Highpoint Shopping Centre.
Nguyen escaped conviction but the Magistrate agreed his life had and would continue to be impacted by the “troubling” offending.
Nguyen went to a men’s clothing store inside at the busy Maribyrnong shopping centre on April 9 2022
The court heard that Nguyen was assisted by staff in the change rooms before Nguyen walked out with his pants unbuckled and his genitalia exposed to staff.
Police prosecutors said the then 25-year-old was using mirrors in a public part of the store before he got the attention of staff to say his pants were too tight and he needed a bigger size.
Staff were shocked but returned with a larger pant size and placed them on the door.
A short time later, a staff member walked past and observed his shadow which revealed he was masturbating.
Staff then contacted security before police were called to the store.
Nguyen was arrested and taken to Footscray police station for questioning where he initially denied a vile offending.
He then told police he touched himself sexually but only briefly, “a couple of rubs, that’s it”.
He conceded to officers that it made staff scared and uncomfortable.
Defence lawyer Sean Kelly said his client was deeply ashamed of the offending and it “hung over his head” and prevented him from enjoying the milestones of getting married and purchasing a home.
Mr Kelly said the 26-year-old used to lead a bible study group and following the incident he lost his Working With Children Check and retreated from religious social groups due to shame.
He said Nguyen was otherwise a very respectful and accomplished young man.
Magistrate Vincenzo Caltabiano said it was “no doubt serious and troubling offending” that had an enormous impact on those who witnessed or were in proximity to it.
Magistrate Caltabiano read from a psychological report that recommended a number of courses to treat and rehabilitate Nguyen.
Nguyen was placed on an 18-month adjourned undertaking with conditions to enrol and complete a number of courses.
He was also ordered to make a $1000 contribution to the court fund.
No conviction was recorded.
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