Somerset Gimp told to avoid wearing black

A man accused of being the "Somerset Gimp" has denied jumping out at women while dressed in latex.

32- year-old Joshua Hunt is charged with leaping out at the shocked victims while wearing a rubber gimp outfit, North Somerset Magistrates' Court heard.

Magistrates were told that Hunt, of Brook Farm, Claverham, Somerset, had approached two lone females on May 7 and May 9 in the Bleadon area.  

The Section 4 public order offences against him stated that he used threatening and abusive behaviour, that caused both victims to fear violence would be used against them.

Hunt appeared at the hearing dressed in a white shirt and beige trousers and denied the two public order offences, shaking his head as the charges were read to him.

Eileen Westwood, Chair of the magistrates, told Hunt: "You pleaded not guilty to these offences and your case has been listed for a district judge to hear on 16 August for a case management hearing. We are going to adjourn the matters against you until that date. You are free to go."

He previously appeared in court the week prior to this hearing, where he was made subject of an order placing restrictions on his alleged behaviour. Under the terms of the interim order Hunt is banned from wearing a mask or possessing one in a public place, wearing black all-in-one clothing or visiting the areas the offences are alleged to have taken place.

The order will expire in January next year.