Serial criminal caught on CCTV when he pulled his pants down and 'mooned' his girlfriend in Sunderland city centre

Darin Cummings, 48, did so in revenge of her physically attacking him moments earlier.

His retaliatory actions in Fawcett Street were spotted on CCTV and he was arrested by police soon after the offence on Saturday, February 1.

South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told jobless Cummings, previously of High Street, Easington Lane, has 140 previous offences to his name.

The court was told that has resulted in 70 criminal convictions, the last two being in December last year for theft and shoplifting.

His actions have now left him out of pocket after he was fined and hit with court costs and other charges totalling £237.

Prosecutor Jeff Taylor told the court: “The police become aware from Sunderland city centre CCTV cameras in Fawcett Street. A man is pulling his shorts down and exposing his buttocks.

“There’s individuals around and children in the area. He’s spoken to and detained. He is interviewed and admits that he’s been disorderly and could have caused offence.

“Doing what he’s doing is unpleasant, and in interview he says that he is sorry.”

Ian Martin, defending, said: “It appears that the police were initially called to the scene because his ex-girlfriend was assaulting him in the street.

“They’re dealing with the incident, and they are informed that shortly before they arrived he had mooned at her three times.

“Rather than respond in a physical fashion to the assault, he decided to embarrass her in public.

“Mr Cummings has a number of difficulties, he has difficulties with alcohol and physical difficulties. He’s now living in a residential care home.”

District Judge Natalie Wortley fined Cummings £120 after he admitted threatening behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Cummings, now of Gateshead, must also pay £85 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.