A MAN was caught committing a sexual act in a busy Ledbury street in the middle of the day, a court has heard.

Lee Daniel James Fairbrother, 32, pleaded guilty to outraging public decency when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford on Wednesday.

Shafquat Reaz, prosecuting, told the court that Fairbrother had been sitting in his parked vehicle at The Homend, Ledbury, at about 1pm on August 21 when he was witnessed committing the act.

The witness called the police, and Fairbrother, who is from Swindon, was arrested and taken into custody.

Marilena Di Vitantonio, for Fairbrother, said he accepted he had committed the act, and that he apologised for his behaviour, which had impacted on his relationship with his partner and children.

"He did not realise he was being watched," she said.

"He says he does not know why he behaved in this way, but he accepts the consequences of his actions."

Magistrates fined Fairbrother £100. He must pay costs of £135 and a £32 victim surcharge.