A mother driving along with her two children in the car was shocked to see a naked man at the side of the road performing a sex act, a court heard.

Police officers found William Carmody lurking in bushes near to a school in Sandy Bank Road, Gravesend.

They arrested the 27-year-old twin, who was found to be high on drink or drugs.

Prosecutor Donna East said one of the children first spotted the nude figure at 8.15pm on July 20 this year and told the mother.

“Clearly disturbed by this she drove past and flagged down a motorist, who was an off-duty police officer,” Miss East told Maidstone Crown Court.

“Quite clearly it was a distressing incident for her. She felt disgusted by what she had seen.

“Other officers attended and the defendant was located in bushes. It was noted he was naked.”

"Quite clearly it was a distressing incident for her. She felt disgusted by what she had seen..." - Prosecutor Donna East

After his arrest Carmody, a former manager at Selfridges, said he had been to a restaurant with his fiancee and mother and was on his way home when he had a panic attack.

He claimed he did not remember much until he was told to come out of the bushes. He accepted he was naked but could not explain why.

He denied performing a sex act and said witnesses had misinterpreted the situation.

Carmody, of Boucher Drive, Gravesend, admitted indecent exposure.

John Fitzgerald, defending, said there was remorse and steps had been taken to address the behaviour.

“His mind set was not sexual gratification, it was sadly suicide. He has health issues.”

Judge Martin Joy said a three-month prison sentence was justified but suspended it for two years, with supervision for 18 months and 100 hours unpaid work.

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