A woman in her 80s was shocked and distressed when a Donington workman at her home stripped naked.
She told 64-year-old Hugh Robert Bettles “in no uncertain terms” to immediately put some clothes on, magistrates in Boston heard on Wednesday.
Bettles claimed it was a very hot day on September 19 and he had become dehydrated. The court was told after dressing again he went down on bended knee to apologise to her.
Bettles, of Quadring Road, Donington, pleaded guilty to exposure in Whaplode.
Prosecutor Nick Todd called it a “bizarre” case involving the elderly woman who lives on her own and had hired Bettles for the work.
“He started the work and she bought him several cups of tea and a cold drink,” said Mr Todd. “At one point he asked her if she minded him removing his shirt and she said not. Some time later he appeared at the side door of the garage completely naked. She told him in no uncertain terms to put some clothes on and went back in. He then reappeared clothed and apologised.”
The lady complained to police and Bettles was arrested. He said in interview that it was a very hot day and he hadn’t brought any drinks with him.
“I became hot and flustered and took all my clothes off,” he said.
Mr Todd added: “[The complainant] was very alarmed and distressed by it and wouldn’t talk to Mr Bettles again. He came back the next day to finish the job but she wouldn’t have anything to do with him.”
In mitigation, solicitor Michelle Elvin said it was a very hot day and the defendant wasn’t feeling well because of that.
“He was dehydrated. The following day he was trying to calculate how dehydrated he was and the outcome was very dehydrated. He was in an enclosed area, very hot and not thinking straight.
“He apologised at the time, getting down on bended knee. He did complete the job the next day.”
Bettles, who had no previous convictions or cautions, was fined £153 and told to pay £85 costs and £32 victim surcharge.
Chair of the bench Stephanie Challinor said: “This will have a serious effect on your life now. You’re an older man and you should have thought about it.
“You can’t whip your clothes off just when you feel like it.”
