A SHOPLIFTER faces being banned from Co-Op stores after he exposed himself when he was caught stealing.

Adrian Dunkley entered the store in Church Road in Hove in April, and took two cans of Morgans Spiced rum and coke.

He shoved the cans down his trousers, then went to leave the store, claiming to security guard Jolomi Pessu that he was going to the cash machine in the shop.

When he left the shop, Mr Pessu caught up with him, and after a row he handed over one of the cans.

But the security guard knew that 39-year-old Dunkley still had another can stashed in his trousers, and could see the outline of the can.

Dunkley was challenged again, at which point he pulled down his trousers and pants and exposed his penis and genitals in a bid to con the guard. It was as he was pulling his trousers back up that the second can fell out.

The police were called and he was taken into custody, where officers faced a barrage of abuse as he became aggressive and protested his innocence.

He then spat at PC Graham Harris.

Dunkley, of Oriental Place in Brighton, appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court where he admitted stealing the cans, and admitted causing a public nuisance by exposing himself.

He also admitted assaulting PC Harris in the execution of his duty.

David Holman, prosecuting, said: “Mr Dunkley dropped his trousers and exposed his penis to insist he hadn’t stolen another can.

“Mr Pessu was very concerned by his behaviour. As he left another can fell from his trousers.

“It was completely unnecessary that when asked for this can he exposed himself.”

Dunkley also admitted threatening Mr Pessu in May, telling the guard: “It might be a day, a month, a year, or two years, but I will get you.”

Both Mr Holman and Oliver Mackrell, defending, said that Dunkley faces a restraining order which will prevent him entering any Co-Op store in Brighton and Hove.

He was released on conditional bail not to enter any Co-Op stores and not to approach or contact Mr Pessue. He now he faces sentencing on Wednesday, July 18.