Joshua Hunt arrest: Man suspected of being Somerset Gimp appears in court after ‘jumping in front of car’

THIS is the man who is accused of dressing up in a full body gimp suit in order to terrorise women.

Joshua Hunt, 31, appeared in North Somerset Magistrates' Court today charged in connection with a number of incidents in the area.

The defendant, from Claverham, Somerset, did not indicated any pleas regarding the four charges he is facing.

Prosecuting, Leanne Gover, said Hunt had approached two lone women drivers on separate occasions on May 7 and 9 last year in the Bleadon area.

She said both women were left fearing about what was going to happen to them and suffered “immense distress as a result”.

One woman is said to have been “struck with horror” while the other described herself as being “terrified”.

Following Hunt’s arrest a flick knife is said to have been found in his van.

On October 25, 2022, Hunt is alleged to have grabbed his penis over a gimp outfit whilst “gyrating against the floor”.

That incident was witnessed by two males, who are said to have recorded the actions on a mobile phone.

They called 999 to report the incident.

Ms Gover asked for Hunt to be remanded in custody.

She told the court he had made comments about taking his own life, and the Crown Prosecution Service are concerned about his safety.

David Fanson, defending, said his client was not fit to give him instructions and was currently "on watch" in custody.

The magistrates remanded him in custody.

He will next appear at Bristol Crown Court on June 7.

The hearing follows several reports over the years of a man lurking in villages dressed in a latex suit.