A mentally ill Prince George man spent more than a month in jail for exposing his penis in public.
Provincial court judge Michael Brecknell said he would have sentenced Paul Moses Williams to 14 days in jail given the public nature of the offence and his history with similar acts. He was given credit for time served and handed a two-year probation order.
Last June, Williams was seen on the sidewalk along Carney Street, completely naked.
"He had his penis in one hand and was waving at passing motorists with his other hand," said the Crown lawyer.
When officers canvassed the neighbourhood, they learned Williams had been witnessed many times exposing himself, sometimes dressed.
In at least one prior case, Williams, who has no criminal record, was taken to the hospital.
The Crown said it had some concerns the incidents were connected to sexual deviancy, but a pre-sentence report and psychological evaluation pointed to other underlying issues.
"It doesn't appear there is a particular sexual component to his behaviour. What seems to be identified are issues of mental health as well as issues with substance abuse," the Crown said.
Defence lawyer Tony Zipp said the 23-year-old had been molested at a young age and deals with substance abuse issues, having first started drinking and smoking marijuana at age nine.
The Crown said it believed Williams was picked up May 31 and agreed his time in jail "far exceeds what would ordinarily be appropriate in a sentence."
Court heard the 23-year-old would stay in a shelter once released from custody.
"My feeling is that he can generally fend for himself not badly," said Zipp.
Court heard Northern Health has said it can continue to support Williams through its intensive case management teams. The teams are community-based and offer outpatient support to people with mental illness and substance use problems in an effort to connect them with services and reduce time spent in hospital, according to its website.
Brecknell noted both reports recommended Williams receive some support and Zipp agreed Williams would be a candidate for care.
"The services don't seem to be available," he said.
As part of his probation, Williams was ordered not to consume alcohol in public and cover his genitals whenever he is in a public space.
