A man caused shock and distress in a children’s play area after he stripped and simulated sex acts, a court heard.

During the bizarre behaviour at Laburnum Road recreation ground in Strood, Josh Ridden pressed his naked body up against a man and woman.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the incident started with 24-year-old Ridden - wearing just underpants - punching the window of a Ford Fiesta with a retired couple inside.

He then stripped naked and simulated a sex act on the ground. He approached a woman, aged about 60, who was pushing a child on a swing and rubbed up against her.

He did the same to a man who was in the park with children. When the man protested, Ridden pushed him in the chest. He also pushed a child.

“This incident can only be described as bizarre and entirely out of character..." - Craig Evans, defending

A police officer who arrived on the scene commented she thought Ridden was “under the influence of something”.

Ridden, of Glamford Road, Strood, admitted committing an act outraging public decency which was disgusting, lewd and obscene, two offences of sexual assault and two of assault by beating.

Craig Evans, defending, said: “This incident can only be described as bizarre and entirely out of character. Police noted he was in a highly agitated state and sweating.”

Mr Evans added: “There is no drug problem.”

Judge Martin Joy adjourned sentence for reports until February 20.

Ridden has been bailed to an aunt’s address in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, where he is under a curfew.

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