A 72-year-old man appeared in court on Monday in connection with an incident of alleged voyeurism in south Belfast. David Mawhinney, who currently has no fixed address, was charged following an incident that reportedly took place on Saturday evening.

The case was heard at Belfast Magistrates’ Court, where it was revealed that the alleged victim spotted a man outside her bedroom window while she was in her underwear. According to a statement from a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officer, the woman observed the man in an alleyway with his hands down his trousers. The officer said, "She stated that she observed a male in the alleyway with his hands down his trousers, and she believed he was masturbating due to the hand movements he was making."

The woman then immediately lowered herself below her window to avoid being seen. However, the officer added, "She continued to look while trying not to be seen and observed the male continuing to masturbate while maintaining eye contact with her window."

Mawhinney confirmed to the court that he understood the allegations against him but did not offer any further comment. His solicitor, Denis Moloney, noted that the voyeurism charge might be contested at a later stage.

With the police offering no objections to bail, District Judge Steven Keown allowed Mawhinney to be released on the condition that an approved address is provided. The judge also imposed specific restrictions to prevent Mawhinney from entering an area off Wellington Park or having any contact with the complainant.

The case has been adjourned and is scheduled to return to court on 23 May.

Source: Noah Wire Services