A CHARD man accused of exposing himself to a woman while at a park in the town has had his trial postponed after a court was told that new evidence had come to light.

Brendan Leigh Harnett, 22, of Bubwith Close, is charged that on April 16 at Chard he intentionally exposed his genitals intending that someone would see them and be caused alarm or distress.

At a previous court hearing prosecutor Christine Hart said that the complainant was walking in Snowden Park when the defendant allegedly approached her and pointed to his groin and asked her “do you like it?” as he exposed himself.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the allegation and following a review of the case it was adjourned for a trial to take place last Friday (July 24).

However on the day of the hearing Somerset Magistrates were told by defence solicitor Chris Ivory that Harnett had now raised a potential alibi to confirm he was at a different place at the time of the alleged offence.

The magistrates agreed to further adjourn the case but told Harnett that they expected the trial to go ahead at the next hearing.

A new trial date was set for September 28 at Yeovil Magistrates’ Court and in the meantime the defendant was given bail on condition he does not go to Snowden Park in Chard.