Paul Bateman has admitted outraging public decency after an incident at Bannatyne Health Club and Spa in Thorpe St Andrew on March 25.
The 58-year-old appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Friday having previously entered the plea, bringing the case back into focus after the private health club incident became a criminal matter.
What the court heard
Prosecutor Lilika Peutherer said an off-duty police officer witnessed the conduct and arrested Bateman. She said the officer noticed the defendant's shorts pulled down and saw him masturbating.
Peutherer also said the officer confronted the defendant, who stood up, walked into the changing room and refused to provide his name.
The incident took place at Bannatyne Health Club and Spa, with the court hearing centering on what happened there on March 25 and how it was dealt with afterward.
Mitigation presented
Mitigation at court linked Bateman's alcohol issue to the death of his mother in 2025. Emma Lloyd said Bateman had a significant issue with alcohol.
The case is now at the stage where Bateman's admission is on the record, with Norwich Magistrates' Court having heard the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the conduct that led to it.
