A British man holidaying in Australia charged with conducting a lewd act in a public place, has been found not guilty in a landmark case.
Oliver Prestwick, from Bath, was arrested after complaints from a female member of the public that she had witnessed him conducting an indecent act upon himself in a public park in Broad Daylight.
Presiding High Court judge Ron Dudd ruled in favour of the defendant, who claimed this was an involuntary act brought about by 'nocturnal emissions' and that jet lag meant what would have happened in the privacy of his bed, occurred in a public place.
Mr Prestwick said, 'It is of great relief to have had the unfounded allegations against me dismissed. I'd like to thank my family for all the support they gave me throughout this very troubling time.'
Broad Daylight council insist they will appeal against the decision.
A spokesman said, 'We find it hard to believe that the courts have found in favour of the accused. We will be taking this case to the Court of Appeal.'
'Nocturnal emissions' are more commonly known as 'wet dreams' and are popular amongst adolescents, but can in some instances occur through adulthood.
It is believed that hundreds of British prisoners in Australia are to have their cases re-opened in light of the outcome.
