Man cleared of flashing (From Oxford Mail)

Man cleared of flashing

10:30am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Oxford

OXFORD: A pensioner “who looked liked Edvard Munch’s The Scream” has been cleared of a sex act at an Oxford bus stop.

Melvyn Mansell was alleged to have exposed himself last July in Morrell Avenue near South Park.

But the 67-year-old defendant, of Bulan Road, Headington, was acquitted yesterday after jurors at Oxford Crown Court failed to reach a verdict.

The woman, who cannot be named, was on day release from a psychiatric hospital, having suffered demonic hallucinations a week earlier.

She said: “As I approached I saw an elderly gentleman who was heavy breathing, kind of groaning.

“He reminded me of the painting by Munch, The Scream.”

Judge Patrick Eccles formally discharged the case.