Co Donegal man jailed for sex act on Dublin to Derry bus

A Co. Donegal man who admitted sex act on a bus travelling from Dublin to Derry has been jailed at Derry Crown Court.
39-year-old Patrick Gavin Porter of Grange, Inch Island, pleaded guilty to committing an act outraging public decency on June 22, last year.
The court heard that a female passenger, who got on the bus in Dublin, sat on the back seat.
After the bus stopped in Monaghan, 39-year-old Porter got on and sat in the row of seats in front of her.
The court was told the woman fell asleep and woke up as the bus approached the city.
She saw Porter leaning over the seat and looking at her as he masturbated.
The woman reported the matter to the bus driver.
Police were called and arrested Porter at Foyle Street Bus Depot.
During an initial police interview, the 39-year-old claimed the allegations were ‘rubbish’ and he was released on bail.
Porter was interviewed by police a second time after they had viewed CCTV from the bus.
The court heard the footage lasted over 40 minutes and Porter admitted it was him.
However, he said he had been drinking heavily and had no memory of the incident but Judge Philip Babington said that ‘this turned out to be false.’
The court was also told that Porter has sought help for his problems and the ‘future for him is much brighter’.
The court also heard that the 39-year-old has been ‘subject to ridicule’ in the community as a result of the publicity the case has attracted.
Judge Babington said the accused had ‘a very relevant criminal record’ and had been given a suspended sentence in 2011 for two similar offences at a student village of Magee College.
The judge said it was ‘clear Porter had been engaging in this behaviour for many years.’
Porter was sentenced to 14 months in prison and will serve half of that in custody.