A MAN who exposed his genitals to a woman whilst in police custody has appeared at court.

Kelvin Ross Porter found himself in a cell in Darlington Police Station last night after throwing a beer bottle through a window in the town, Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court heard.

After being arrested and taken to the station he pulled down his trousers and exposed himself to a nurse.

Ansab Shan, prosecuting, said: "The defendant used a glass alcohol bottle to damage a window at Darlington Magistrates' Court.

"On the same day whilst in a police cell the defendant noticed a mental health nurse standing in the doorway and began masturbating in front of her.

"This caused her to feel shocked and disgusted by his actions."

Porter, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage and a further count of exposure on Wednesday, November 25.

He has 47 previous convictions, 26 of which are criminal damage.

Amrit Jandoo, mitigating, said: "He does not recall a great deal of it, and tells me that he carried out the offence in order to get himself into custody because he is homeless.

"Obviously the sexual offence is the most serious matter."

The case was adjourned for reports and Porter was remanded into police custody.

He will return to Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court for sentencing on December 18.