A Portslade man has admitted outraging public decency by behaving in an indecent manner in Easthill Park.
Michael Cohen, 53, of Oakdene Crescent, Mile Oak, pleaded guilty to the common law charge at Brighton Magistrates’ Court but denied pleasuring himself near children.
He was spotted in the park although he said that he had not intended to be seen but had been suffering from a fungal infection.
The court was told that he had since been given different medicine and that this had been a one-off aberration.
Sarah Smith, defending, said that Cohen was remorseful but was adamant that there was no sexual motive.
District Judge Tessa Szagun did not accept the basis of plea and adjourned the case until Tuesday 12 December when she will hear evidence from a witness.
Cohen, who lives with his wife and two children, was described as a man of good character.
The court was told: “Social services have carried out an investigation and they do not have any ongoing concerns.”
The judge said that he had admitted what the law regarded as a lewd, obscene or disgusting act.
She said: “It doesn’t have to be intended to be seen.
“You said that you exposed your penis but you were not masturbating.”
The judge said that she was concerned by the presence of children and whether Cohen had been acting for personal gratification when he was spotted six months ago.
She added: “It seems from what I’ve heard that there can be very little alternative explanation for you taking the action you did where you did.”
He was bailed on condition that he stay away from Easthill Park.
