A terminally ill man has been arrested by six officers for bearing his backside at a mobile speed camera in Worcestershire.
Darrell Meekcom, who has multiple system atrophy, heart disease, kidney failure and Parkinsons mooned at the van in Kidderminster on Friday.
His wife has published a YouTube video of him being held down on the ground when Police came to arrest him later that day.
West Mercia Police said a 55-year-old was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure and dangerous driving.
The BBC reports he decided to target the speed camera van on Stourbridge Road in his home town after he had been “caught by them a couple of times for silly speeds like 35mph in a 30 zone and it always bugged me”.
“I didn’t think anything of it,” said the father of two, who added: “It was a good laugh.”
However, he says the response took him by surprise.
“I was simply gobsmacked that I got arrested for mooning a speed camera,” he said.
His wife Sarah recorded the arrest and posted it on YouTube through the SWNS news agency.
West Mercia Police have reacted by issuing this statement:
We are aware of media coverage concerning an incident in Kidderminster.
Around 1pm on Friday 5 November officers received a report of indecent exposure on Stourbridge Road.
Officers attended a property in Coley Close with the intention of speaking to an individual regarding the incident.
On arrival at the address officers attempted to speak to a man, however the situation developed which led to his subsequent arrest on suspicion of indecent exposure and dangerous driving.
Local Area Commander, Superintendent Mark Colquhoun, said: “We appreciate the footage and commentary circulating around the incident has caused some concern.
“The incident was reviewed at the time and, after consideration of the full facts and circumstances, including reviewing officers’ body worn video, I am satisfied that appropriate action was taken by officers.
“The incident lasted around 38 minutes from the time of arrival at the address and therefore lasted significantly longer than the footage already in the media.
“The criminal investigation is ongoing and a complaint has been made to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
A 55-year-old man from Kidderminster arrested during the incident has since been released on bail.
(Picture – Sarah Meekin Twitter)
