A terminally-ill university lecturer who was arrested after mooning a speed camera as part of his bucket list has gone on trial accused of a public order offence.
Darrell Meekcom, 55, was detained in his back garden by several officers after he bared his bottom at a mobile speed camera van last November. The dad-of-two, who has multiple system atrophy (MSA), was originally arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure and dangerous driving before being bailed.
Mr Meekcom went on trial at Redditch Magistrates Court on Tuesday, accused of obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty - a charge which he denies. Two further counts he had been facing of using threatening behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress were dropped by prosecutors.
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Prosecutor Sarah Hurd said police had attended Mr Meekcom's home in Kidderminster, "for matters the court did not need to know about." She said Mr Meekcom had been uncooperative when officers arrived at the address and he had directed abuse towards them before resisting arrest.
One police officer described how Mr Meekcom had branded him a "c***" and began singing Monty Python's 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life' at him.
Ms Hurd said Mr Meekcom also resisted arrest when officers attended his home at around 12.30pm on November 5. After officers took him to the ground, Mr Meekcom informed them he had some very serious health conditions.
In police body-cam footage played to the court Mr Meekcom can be heard telling PC Gareth Jones, of West Mercia Police: "I mooned a speed camera. I’m terminally ill. I’ve got Parkinson's mate."
Giving evidence, PC Jones said Mr Meekcom had earlier been abusive and added: "From the very beginning he was doing whatever he could to stop us. We did move the handcuffs as we were listening to him about his health."
The court heard then "the prosecution case is that he decided to drop his trousers at a speed enforcement van".
The trial continues.
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