Man caught masturbating near playground avoids prison

A suspended sentence was imposed yesterday on a Macroom man who was caught masturbating in bushes near a park playground in Cork City.

Sentencing had been adjourned for a probation report. However, the report said the convicted man insisted he was not guilty.

Jim Cronin, aged 54, of Teergay, Toonsbridge, Macroom, Co Cork, had denied masturbating at Fitzgerald’s Park, Cork. He claimed: “I was sightseeing, watching the wildlife.”