"Decent guy" caught performing sex act in car in Kettering

A man caught performing a sex act in his car in a busy Kettering street told magistrates he is "a decent guy".

Stephen Price, 59, admitted outraging public decency after the lewd 15-minute incident in Queensberry Road on January 10.

On Thursday (January 30) Northampton Magistrates' Court heard Price, of Westmorland Drive in Desborough, was seen to pull up in his vehicle and expose himself before performing the sex act.

He stopped when a woman walked past before continuing, before stopping again when a vehicle parked in front of him, only to continue again.

He was reported to police and admitted it was him when questioned.

Prosecutor Stella Moses said: "He said the reason he does this is because there are members of the public around."

The person who reported him to the authorities said they had seen him on four occasions since October and that it was always between 3pm and 4pm on a Friday.

In a report read out by Ms Moses, they said: "The road is very busy during this time. During term time there are a lot of children who are walking past.

"I find his behaviour very odd."

When asked if he had anything to say Price, who had no legal representation, said: "I really regret what I have done. I am a decent guy."

He faced a maximum penalty of six months in prison as chairman of the bench Mignon French ordered a probation report with 'all options open' before sentencing.

Mrs French handed him a community order with 100 hours of unpaid work and rehabilitation activities.

He must also pay costs of £85 and a surcharge to fund victim services of £90.

As he was told he was free to go a teary Price said: "I am very sorry."