Somerset Gimp suspect is banned from ‘crawling, wriggling or writhing on the ground’ before he stands trial in October

A man suspected of being the “Somerset Gimp” will not be allowed to crawl, squirm or squirm on the floor prior to his trial, a court said.

The accused, 32-year-old Joshua Hunt, denies two charges of willful harassment, alarm or fear under Section 4(a) of the Public Order Act.

It comes as District Judge Angela Brereton, sitting at Taunton Deane Magistrates’ Court, set a half-day trial for the case at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on October 27.

The charges relate to incidents allegedly committed on May 7 and 9 in the Bleadon and Cleeve areas of Somerset.

Under the terms of the preliminary injunction, which expires next January, Hunt is also prohibited from wearing a mask or owning one in a public place and wearing black all-in-ones in public at night.

Hunt, from Claverham, Somerset, was excused from the hearing on the management of the case and was represented by his lawyer David Fanson. He was released on unconditional bail until his trial.

Previous hearings have learned that female motorists behind the wheel at night reported to police that they had seen a man in a black suit.

Hunt previously denied jumping at two women while they were dressed in the latex suit.

At an earlier hearing Hunt only spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

The balding and bearded defendant wore a white shirt and brown trousers and shook his head to deny the two charges.

Robert Yates, prosecutor, told the court: “This is a case with quite a complex history and it has been taken to the Crown Court and has come back.”