An Australian man accused of masturbating in front of customers at popular cafes in Queensland has appeared in court for the first time after police arrested him last month.
Anthony Craven appeared in the Townsville Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with eight counts of an indecent act in any place where the public is permitted access.
The 54-year-old allegedly exposed himself and masturbated eight times at several cafes in Townsville suburbs of Idalia, Thuringowa, Douglas, and Kirwan in October 2020, and again between July and October 2021, the Daily Mail reports. He's also accused of doing some of the indecent acts in front of other people.
Police hadn't managed to find Craven for several months until an officer saw him at a cafe in the Townsville suburb of Currajong in October. He was arrested and later charged with the alleged offences.
Craven's lawyer, Troydon Maltby, told the court his charges wouldn't be contested, the Townsville Bulletin reports. He added there'd been "some negotiations" with police facts and a submitted report from Craven's psychologist would be "pivotal" when determining a verdict.
The court was adjourned until December 15.
According to the Townsville Bulletin, Craven dodged photographers as he left the court with his wife.
