‘Somerset Gimp’ has dropped an outrageous public decency suit

A man accused of being the ‘Somerset Gimp’ will face new offenses after some have been dropped following a review.

Joshua Hunt, 31, from Claverham, Somerset, is due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on Friday to plead a charge of breach of public decency.

It followed a series of incidents in a number of Somerset villages, including an allegation that a man dressed in a latex suit jumped in front of a woman’s car.

But the prosecution said Mr Hunt now faces alternative charges under the Public Order Act. He will next appear at North Somerset Magistrates’ Court on July 18.

In a statement, the CPS said: “The charges against Joshua Hunt have been reviewed in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and proceedings at Bristol Crown Court have been completed.

“Proceedings have been initiated in respect of two alternative charges which are contrary to the Public Order Act 1986 and Mr Hunt will appear before North Somerset Magistrates’ Court on 18 July 2023.

“The CPS reminds all concerned that Joshua Hunt is in criminal proceedings and has the right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there is no online reporting, commenting or sharing of information that could harm this proceeding in any way.”