Pensioner naked in the reeds Sheriff clears him of charge

A pensioner who stood naked at Prestwick seafront in broad daylight has been cleared of intentionally exposing himself.

James Miller, 65, was spotted starkers behind Kidz Play in a makeshift camp with a red and white striped golf umbrella open beside him.

When the police turned up they found Miller dressed in trousers with a hole in the crotch area, Ayr Sheriff Court heard last week.

A woman, 63, saw Miller as she walked her dog before 1pm.

She said: “I saw a person standing at the end of the car park beside his car with reeds around him without anything on.”

She continued: “He was facing the sea.”

The lady who was behind Miller said he saw her walking along.

She added: “He remained standing for a few minutes and then he eventually sat down.” Describing the area as busy with children and parents, she said: “People were coming and going after being in Kidz Play which was as I said earlier close to where he was.”

Bu t a f t e r b e i n g questioned by Sheriff John Montgomery, she said passersby would not have seen Miller hidden behind the reeds.

C o n s t a b l e B l a i r McGarver, 35, was called to the scene at 1pm on April 23.

He said Miller was two to three feet away from the public footpath and 200 metres behind Kidz Play.

Constable McGarver said: “He had a vehicle parked close to where he had set up camp.” Miller also had a blanket and was wearing trousers as the officers approached. Constable McGarver said he noticed Miller’s trousers were burst at the seam in the crotch area and his privates were exposed.

The officer added: “I believe he was sitting there exposing himself prior to our arrival.”

Sheriff Montgomery found Miller not guilty. The Sheriff said: “I found you not guilty of the charge on the complaint. You are free to go.”

Delivery drive Miller, of Park Terrace, Lugar had denied intentionally exposing himself to the police officers.