Adventure Park volunteer who allegedly exposed himself to young girls said it was ‘unfortunate accident’

Prosecutors claimed he deliberately sought out a role at the facilities to give him access to children.

An adventure park volunteer who allegedly exposed himself to a group of girls said it was an “unfortunate accident” involving a damaged zipper, the High Court has heard.

Owen Lindsay, 23, is accused of targeting four members of a youth club attending the activity centre in Co Antrim earlier this month.

Prosecutors claimed he deliberately sought out a role at the facilities to give him access to children.

Lindsay, of River Mill in Randalstown, denies charges of indecent exposure, sexual communication with a child and sexual activity with someone aged between 13 and 16.

He was granted bail but banned from returning to the adventure park.

Lindsay is accused of exposing himself to the girls while working on a coffee stand at the site on June 13.

He also allegedly asked them to take off their bibs following an activity, helping one of them to remove her apron while saying, “I bet you can get undressed quicker than that”.

Police were alerted to the incident and arrested Lindsay at this home the following day.

During interviews, he accepted being at the centre and helping to organise equipment used by the children.

He denied intentionally exposing himself or any sexual motivation for his behaviour.

Claiming his trousers were faulty, he told police he does not wear underwear and had removed tracksuit bottoms due to the heat.

Lord Justice Treacy described the account provided as “very unusual”.

“He said it was an unfortunate accident that just happened to be in front of four young girls, and the zipper had been damaged for some time,” the judge commented.

Opposing bail, Crown Counsel Mark Conlon claimed Lindsay had a specific motivation for working at the facilities.

“Police are of the view that he deliberately sought employment which would give him access to children,” he submitted.

Defence barrister Turlough Madden challenged the prosecution’s assertions, arguing his client had volunteered at the adventure park for nine years.

He told the court Lindsay has been diagnosed as autistic and has been involved with mental health services since he was a teenager.

“His parents are significantly concerned about his own vulnerabilities and susceptibilities to being targeted,” Mr Madden said.

“In the past, friends took advantage and exposed him to financial risk.”

Granting bail, Lord Justice Treacy indicated there were issues which need to be addressed outside of a custodial environment.

“At the moment, Maghaberry (Prison) is not the best place for him to be,” the judge said.

But ordering Lindsay not to contact any complainants or attend the activity centre, he stressed: “Other steps need to be taken to protect young people.”

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