A CHARD man has appeared in court charged with offences of outraging public decency and criminal damage while he was living in Yarlington Housing accommodation in Chard.

Stuart John Burden, 27, formerly of Fawcus Place, but currently living in a hostel in Taunton, appeared in the dock before Somerset Magistrates.

He pleaded not guilty to a charge that on May 19 he committed an act outraging public decency by behaving in an indecent manner, namely by exposing and touching his penis.

He also denied damaging a glass window of an unknown value belonging to Yarlington Housing Group on the same date.

Prosecutor Christine Hart said the defendant was allegedly seen by a witness to be masturbating prior to the sound of smashing glass where a window was broken.

A pre-trial review was conducted and both matters were adjourned for a trial to take place on August 19.

Defending solicitor Neil Priest said Burden claimed the criminal damage had been accidental and said the other matter had been “fabricated” by a neighbour. Until his next court appearance the defendant was released on unconditional bail.