STREAKER Kevin Scott appeared before magistrates yesterday - only to discover one of the Bench had witnessed his racecourse romp.

The tattooed 34-year-old removed his clothes and pranced across York Racecourse clad only in a black wig.

Steven Ovenden, prosecuting, said the horses had already gone to the starting gates for the 4.10pm race, a six-furlong sprint, when Scott jumped two barriers to get on to the course.

"If that race had started, he would have placed himself in great danger," said Mr Ovenden.

The magistrates, one of whom had been among the 35,000 racegoers at the course, told Scott his action was not appreciated. They conditionally discharged him for 12 months and ordered him to pay £55 costs.

Scott, of The Broadway, Darlington, pleaded guilty to behaving in a manner likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. He told magistrates he had drunk five or six pints and didn't appreciate the danger of what he was doing.

Three other streakers arrested at the meeting are still to appear before magistrates.