Man in leotard and high heels had offensive weapon

Police investigating complaints of a man dressed in women's clothes being sexually suggestive to children on a school bus saw a 49-year-old motorist in a purple leotard, blonde wig and high heeled boots.

Blackburn magistrates heard Lawrence Balshaw reversed at speed when his car was approached by police, causing traffic to swerve into hedges.

When Balshaw was eventually stopped he was wearing the leotard and combat trousers. The wig, glasses and boots were found in a bin.

Balshaw, of Lyndale Close, Wilpshire, admitted dangerous driving and possessing an offensive weapon – a pickaxe handle – in the car park of Eaves Hall Country House Hotel, West Bradford.

He was remanded on bail for the preparation of reports with conditions he does not go within 50m of educational establishments or playgrounds or have unsupervised contact with anyone aged under 18.

Mr Andrew Church-Taylor (defending) said Balshaw had no previous convictions. "It is evident there are deep underlying problems here," said Mr Church-Taylor. "The dressing in women's clothing is an attempt at escapism. He says it is a person other than himself who wanted attention. There was nothing sexual in it, it was just that schoolchildren were more likely to pay attention to him."