A MAN who defecated in a shop doorway is set to be sentenced next month.

David Kenneth Gash appeared from the cells when he answered a single charge of committing an act of outraging public decency, at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The 30-year-old said: "I was absolutely drunk."

The court heard how the incident happened in Durham at about 7pm on Tuesday, May 22.

Gash, of Bede Crescent, Chester-le-Street, cried as magistrates discussed what to do with him.

They decided to defer sentence until June 7, so Gash could be sentenced for a breach of a conditional discharge at the same time.

Magistrate Susan Hannan, said: "I understand this is distressing for you."

He was given conditional bail to reside at his home.