Man turns up to court hearing in dress

A man wore a woman's skirt and blouse in court after being told he could not wear shorts in front of magistrates.

David Jeffries-Tipton had been told he was not dressed appropriately when he arrived at Cannock Magistrates Court yesterday so went and bought a set of ladies' clothes as a protest. Wearing a red floral skirt and light coloured silk blouse, the 47-year-old had his trial heard.

Speaking after the case, in which magistrates made no reference to his attire, Jeffries-Tipton, of Deer Hill, Brocton, Stafford said: "I had to go to a charity shop to get these clothes and I will be making a complaint."

Jeffries-Tipton was charged with criminal damage to a dog basket and a flat-screen TV after going to see his ex-girlfriend, licensee Karen Griggs at the Langtry's Pub in Stone.

He had denied the charge over the TV and was acquitted. He admitted damaging the dog basket. A report will be compiled and he will re-appear in court on June 20. He was given bail.