Two men were caught performing a s*x act in a busy shopping centre, Metro UK reports.

Thomas Smurthwaite and Marc Stamp were caught engaging in the s*x act in front of the urinals in the mens’ toilets in Eldon Garden, in Newcastle city centre.

A court heard the pair were spotted by the horrified manager of the centre at around 6pm in the evening.

The police were called and Smurthwaite, 23, of Stanley, and Stamp, 33, of Coulby Newham, in Middlesbrough, were interrupted and arrested.

Both men have been fined after pleading guilty to one charge each of engaging in s*xual activity in a public lavatory at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court.

Lee Poppett, prosecuting, said the offence happened on Newcastle’s traditional late-night shopping day on Thursday, January 12, when there was a chance children could have walked in.

He said: ‘It’s blatant behaviour at 6pm in the evening. It’s in full view of the main area of the mens’ lavatories, in front of the urinals. It’s not an allegation that was contained in a cubicle.’

Mr Poppett added: ‘At around 6pm, a witness who is employed as a manager at Eldon Garden say he observed Smurthwaite walking into the male toilets on the ground-floor.

‘He says there has been suspicious activity by Smurthwaite in the past and he waits outside the toilets for a moment or two before entering.

‘He saw Smurthwaite and Stamp about a foot away from each other.’



The court was told the manager immediately released what the pair were doing and contacted police.

Mr Poppett said: ‘By 6.25pm, the police had been called and had arrived. Smurthwaite and Stamp were then transported to Forth Banks Police Station.

‘Both were compliant and made full admissions. Both are of previous good character. Stamp does have one previous caution.’

Andrew O’Hanlon, defending, said both men were remorseful.

Stamp was fined £180 and was ordered to pay £50 costs and a £30 victim surcharge, while Smurthwaite was fined £120 and ordered to pay the same costs and surcharge.