A man allegedly masturbating in front of two women in Penrith has denied the act, saying he was actually trying to hide drugs.
At 4pm on Friday, April 11 two young women were seated outside a major shopping centre on High Street in Penrith.
A 38-year-old Mortdale man made eye contact with the two women and moved to a bench closer to them.
Once seated on the bench with them, the 38-year-old again made intense eye contact with the women and at the same time has placed his right hand down the front of his pants.
The 38-year-old then allegedly began to vigorously masturbate in front of the two women for approximately two minutes. The two women moved, and police were notified.
As police were approaching, they were stopped by several witnesses who told police the man had also been trying to sell them cannabis.
Police caught up with the man and he was searched. Police located two small resealable bags containing cannabis.
The man was questioned in relation to the masturbation and the 38-year-old told police he was not masturbating; he was attempting to secrete the cannabis.
The man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station. While in custody the man was allegedly sexually aggressive towards female officers and continued with his sexual acts.
He will front court next month.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.