Robin James Barker ‘held his genitals’ in his hand and tried to urinate in the middle of an Ipswich shopping centre

Man claims he “doesn’t recall” performing a gross act in the middle of an Ipswich shopping centre, a court heard.

A man was seen drunkenly stumbling through an Ipswich shopping centre before he stopped and tried to urinate in front of shoppers.

Robin James Barker on Wednesday pleaded guilty in the Ipswich Magistrates Court to wilful exposure and possessing dangerous drugs

Barker was intoxicated and walking through Riverlink Shopping Centre when he stopped outside a juice bar and took his genitals out of his pants at 5.45pm on March 10.

Police prosecutor Paul Caldwell said Barker “held them in his hand” for some time in front of shoppers including children and elderly people.

Sergeant Caldwell said it appeared Barker was “trying to urinate”.

The court heard Barker was reported to centre management and Police Beat who then reviewed CCTV footage.

Officers conducted foot patrols of the centre and found Barker in the carpark.

Sergeant Caldwell said officers noticed Barker was “slurring and unsteady” on his face.

During a search they found a prescription medication box with someone else’s name on it in his possession.

Inside the box was a “small amount” of marijuana, which Barker said he used to self medicate for pain relief.

The court heard Barker had emphysema and had been released from hospital that day on painkillers.

Due to Barker’s level of intoxication no charges were laid that day but police attended his home in July in relation to the wilful exposure.

Barker was “remorseful” but did not recall his behaviour.

He told police he was two weeks sober and was attending rehabilitation for alcohol misuse.

Barker was placed on nine months’ probation and convictions were recorded.