A police community support officer (PCSO) has admitted masturbating in a south London park.
Kevin Phillips, 56, was charged with outraging public decency after being caught committing the act while wearing his uniform in Dog Kennel Hill park in East Dulwich, Croydon Magistrates’ Court was told on Friday.
A member of the public filmed him, with the video viewed thousands of times after being shared online.
Phillips, who works in the Metropolitan Police’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, admitted the offence when questioned after the incident on Wednesday, blaming his behaviour on stress and a medical condition, the court heard.
Andrew Matthews
He appeared in the dock wearing a burgundy sweater and was told to catch his breath before taking a seat.
Phillips, of Milton Road, Croydon, who had no previous convictions, spoke only to enter his guilty plea and confirm his name, date of birth and address.
Police tape at an address in Livingston, West Lothian after Denis and Mary Fell (both aged 73) were found dead in the house on Boxing Day. Picture date: Tuesday December 28, 2021.
Andrew Milligan
District Judge Nigel Dean sent the case to Croydon Crown Court, where Phillips will be sentenced on a date to be fixed.
He was released on bail on the condition he does not enter a park or recreation ground in England or Wales.
His solicitor, Tahir Ali, told the court Phillips is married with two young daughters.
The video posted online appeared to show a man “committing a sex act on a London park bench in broad daylight”, according to the MailOnline.
The footage was brought to the attention of police shortly before 11.30pm on Wednesday, the Met said.
The force’s directorate of professional standards is leading an investigation and Phillips has been suspended from duty.
A referral has been made to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct.