Mark Giroud: Man allegedly arrested masturbating near playing children

A Werribee man was allegedly caught masturbating near children at a local park by an off-duty officer, a court has heard.

A Werribee man was allegedly photographed masturbating at a local park in front of families and children before an off-duty police officer stepped in, a court has heard.

Mark Giroud appeared in the Werribee Magistrates’ Court on Monday facing a number of charges including sexual activity directed at another person and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The court heard he was allegedly spotted by concerned parents at the Victoria State Rose Garden on Wednesday, February 27, 2019.

“There were approximately 100 people present at the park including children,” a police prosecutor told the court.

Victoria State Rose Garden, Werribee.

“He was fully exposed … there were six or seven children, who appeared to be under the age of 12, playing nearby.”

Police allege an off-duty officer photographed Mr Giroud “continuing to engage in the activity”, before arresting him and calling triple-0.

Officers arrived at 4.20pm, allegedly finding a glass pipe, lighter and knife in the pocket of his pants.

During an interview it’s alleged he told them the knife was for fishing saying, “I had it because I was going fishing”.

He allegedly claimed the allegations were “all made up” as part of a vendetta against him by his ex-girlfriend who was “best friends” with the off-duty officer.

The court heard there were three civilian witnesses who could back up the officer’s statement.

The case against Mr Giroud was adjourned to July 4 to allow for further negotiation between his defence lawyer and prosecutors.

Defence lawyer Daniel Bakewell asked prosecutors to provide full disclosure of the witness statements to him ahead of the next date, saying there “seems to be some inconsistency in those statements”.