A man was caught masturbating in a jacuzzi at an upmarket health club by an off-duty police officer, a court has heard.
Paul Bateman, 58, had his swimming shorts down and was in the midst of the lewd act at Bannatyne Health Club and Spa in Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich, when he was spotted.
Norwich Magistrates' Court heard the police officer had been at the Thorpe St Andrew health club while off-duty. When he went to use the spa facility, he saw Bateman carrying out the sex act and confronted him.
Officer's Account
Lilika Peutherer, prosecuting, said: "He noticed the defendant's shorts pulled down and saw him masturbating."
The officer confronted the defendant who stood up and walked into the changing room but he refused to provide his name.
The prosecutor said the officer then "confronted" Bateman and arrested him for outraging public decency.
Court Hearing and Sentence
Bateman, of Cozens-Wiley Road, Little Plumstead, appeared at court on Friday having previously admitted outraging public decency over the incident on March 25.
Emma Lloyd, mitigating, said Bateman had a "significant issue with alcohol" at the time of the offence, triggered by the death of his mother in 2025.
"His alcohol intake at that time was such he has very little recollection of it. It's fair to say this incident has horrified him. It's something he is remorseful for."
Bateman was made the subject of a 24-month community order which included a 120 day electronically-monitored alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. He was also given 100 hours unpaid work and must complete a 12-month mental health treatment requirement. In addition he was ordered to pay £40 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Club Response
Bannatyne advertises its Thorpe club as having "luxurious" swimming pools and spa facilities that are perfect to "relax and unwind".
Following the incident, a spokesman said: "We're pleased the police are looking into this matter and the individual's membership has been suspended. All our members are expected to act with decorum and anyone who is found not to abide by the club's rules will have their membership terminated."
