Met Police PCSO admits masturbating in uniform on park bench
A serving PCSO from the Met Police has admitted masturbating in a south London park.
Croydon Magistrates' Court heard Kevin Phillips, 56, blamed the incident on stress and a medical condition.
Phillips was charged with outraging public decency after being caught committing the act while wearing his uniform in Dog Kennel Hill park in East Dulwich.
A member of the public filmed him, with the video viewed thousands of times after being shared online.
The court heard Phillips, who works in the Met's Roads and Transport Policing Command, admitted the offence when questioned after the incident on Wednesday.
He appeared in the dock wearing a burgundy sweater and was told to catch his breath before taking a seat.
Phillips, of Milton Road, Croydon, had no previous convictions. He spoke only to enter his guilty plea and confirm his name, date of birth and address.
District judge Nigel Dean sent the case to Croydon Crown Court, where Phillips will be sentenced on a date to be fixed.
He was released on bail on the condition he does not enter a park or recreation ground in England or Wales.
His solicitor, Tahir Ali, told the court Phillips is married with two young daughters.
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The footage was brought to the attention of police shortly before 11.30pm on Wednesday, the Met said.
The force’s directorate of professional standards is leading an investigation and Phillips has been suspended from duty.
A referral has also been made to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Following Phillips' arrest on Thursday, Commander Kyle Gordon, who is in charge of the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, had said: “I know that everyone will be absolutely shocked by this video.
"I am absolutely horrified and saddened by incidents such as this, as are all decent officers and staff. They are contrary to everything we stand for."
