10 May 2023 , 14:03
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A man accused of terrorising villagers wearing a "shiny gimp suit" and grabbing his crotch has appeared in court.
Joshua Hunt, 31, is accused of two counts of affray and one count each of possession of a bladed article and committing an act of outraging public decency.
One of the affray charges and the possession of a bladed article charge relates to an incident in Bleadon, near Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, on May 9.
The second affray charge relates to an incident in the same area on May 7, while the outraging public decency charge relates to an incident in Cleeve on October 25 last year.
Hunt, of Claverham, Somerset spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during a hearing at North Somerset Magistrates' Court in Worle.
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Joshua Hunt appeared in court todayHe did not enter any pleas to the four charges he faces.
Leanne Grover, prosecuting, told the court the offences related to incidents said to have taken place in Somerset.
Ms Grover said in October last year a member of the public reported to police being approached by a man wearing a "gimp suit".
The man was also wearing a "shiny" mask, the witness had said.
"Mr Hunt is gyrating against the floor and some of what happened is captured on mobile phones," Ms Grover said.
Ms Grover said the further alleged incidents took place in May when female motorists saw a man in the street dressed in a black costume.
The fourth charge relates to a lock knife found in his vehicle after he was arrested, the court heard.
Joshua Hunt is accused of being the man in the gimp outfit (BPM MediaBPM MEDIA)The prosecutor opposed bail and applied for the case to be transferred to Bristol Crown Court.
When Ms Gover asked for Hunt to be remanded in custody, the defendant could be seen shaking his head vigorously at this point.
She told the court that he had made comments about taking his own life, and the Crown Prosecution Service are concerned about this own safety.
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David Fanson, defending, said his client is not fit to give him instructions and is currently “on watch” in the custody.
Marilyn Darg, presiding justice, committed the case to Bristol Crown Court and ordered Hunt to appear before a judge on June 7.
"We believe our powers will be insufficient to deal with this so it will be transferred to Bristol Crown Court," she said.
"These are matters being sent to the crown court for trial and therefore we are going to remand you into custody."