Man who exposed himself in hospital was "being a nuisance"

Tuesday 05 September 2023

A man who indecently exposed himself in the Hospital when refused valium has received a three-month binding over order.

Paul Gardner (59) admitted indecently exposing himself and claimed it was "a cry for help" – but Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris said: "It's just being a nuisance."

The Magistrate’s Court heard that Gardner had turned up at the Hospital at 03:00 on the morning of 27 June wanting valium. When told he could not be seen at such an early hour, he proceeded to take off all his clothes.

Advocate Estelle Burns, defending, said Gardner was alcohol-dependent and needed valium when he was unable to obtain alcohol.

Pictured: The case was heard in the Magistrate's Court on Monday.

He has previous convictions for similar offences, but Advocate Burns said: "He has not been in trouble since February."

Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris agreed to bind him over for three months and told him: "If a doctor is not going to give you medication, he’s not going to give you medication."

He added: "No-one wants to see you with no clothes on.

"It’s not a cry for help, it’s just being a nuisance."