A SOUTHAMPTON man carried out a lewd act in a police cell and pulled his trousers down in front of officers exposing his bottom, a court heard.

Richard Lewis left police alarmed and distressed after he exposed himself to them during an incident in September.

Officers were originally called to Lewis’ mothers’ address after reports he had been threatening her.

But when they arrived, the 43-year-old who currently lives in Oxford Street was upset when they began leading him away.

Prosecuting, David Logan-Rose told the court how as they approached the van he “pulled his trousers down and got his bum out”.

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He went on to be abusive to officers, swearing at them and calling them names.

And when he was finally put in a cell, he began to perform a lewd act alone.

Mitigating, Louise Morgan said he reacted in that way as “he felt [police] were treating them incorrectly” as he thought they were there to support him.

She added: “That is not the right way he should have acted.

“Mr Lewis accepts that his conduct was such that he has caused those police officers distress or alarm.

“He is trying to get medication sorted because he is a depressed individual.

“[He is] an individual who can stay out of trouble.”

Magistrates were told that Lewis is “ready to get help” and that no “serious harm or distress” was caused.

Magistrate Gary Chant said the court would not issue a community order in this case, adding: “There is a lot going on in your life.

“You’re getting the help you need at the moment.”

Lewis was fined £200 and must also pay an £80 surcharge and £85 in court costs.

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