The "Somerset Gimp" who scared a swathe of female drivers by rolling around on the floor and making concerning noises at night while dressed in a gimp suit may have terrorised the county for months before he was unmasked.
Joshua Hunt, 32, was found guilty at Bristol Magistrates’ Court of two offences under the Public Order Act of causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress, the Daily Star previously reported. The unusual incidents for which Hunt was convicted took place on the evening of May 7 and shortly after midnight on May 9 at Bleadon near Weston-super-Mare.
But Avon and Somerset Police have since revealed Hunt was arrested previously on suspicion of causing a public nuisance in a swathe of similar incidents last year. Hunt was found participating in other gimp suit-related incidents in Cleeve, Claverham and Yatton, the force said.
READ MORE: Infamous gimp man who terrorised UK county finally unmasked after being found guilty
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Detectives said insufficient evidence meant no further action was taken following the earlier incidents.
One lone female driver on the receiving end of Hunt's behaviour said she saw him writhe around on the ground, while another was left shaking and crying after being subjected to the bizarre treatment.
In a written statement, motorist Lucy Lodge said she was driving home along Accommodation Road in Bleadon when she saw something moving on the ground.
"He was writhing and crawling as if in a military fashion," she said. "I could see the person was wearing very tight, dark clothing and had a mask on their face. The mask was dark and very tight and two white crosses where the eyes should be.
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"My first thought was it could be a possible abduction and the person was trying to get me out of my car. It was terrifying although I had only seen them for a few seconds.
"He was dressed all in black with a shiny, black facemask with white crosses on. They were face down in a military fashion and writhing and crawling on their belly."
She added: "The whole incident felt so surreal, and I was questioning myself about what I was seeing and making this statement makes me feel anxious."
Hunt was arrested minutes after the second occurrence. He told officers: "I am not a gimp – I do not own a gimp suit. I am not in a gimp suit." Hunt denied two offences of causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress.
Giving evidence Hunt, a self-employed gardener, told the court he had been in a "very traumatic state of mind" in May and was speaking with Samaritans and getting counselling.
He added: "The clothes I wear and face masks are for mudding only, hence why I had them in the vehicle. Time from time, it is a self-loathing thing because I feel so crap about myself. It's a release because I feel like s*** – I cover myself in s***."
District Judge Joanna Dickens said she accepted Hunt had already spent a month on remand in prison prior to his trial.
"I accept that you have already received punishment and spent time in prison and lost your good character in a very public way and no doubt affecting you for the remainder of your life," she said.
Hunt was fined £100 and ordered to pay £200 compensation to each of his three victims and £620 prosecution costs.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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