A driver is accused of leading police on a high speed chase after stealing handcream from Tesco and baring his buttocks at the shop assistant.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning via video link from Melksham police station, Christopher Padget, 44, of Hillworth Road, Devizes, entered no pleas to dangerous driving, theft of £2.50 handcream from Tesco, outraging public decency and disorderly behaviour.

Prosecutor Kate Prince said police were called after Padget allegedly stole handcream from the Tesco supermarket in Calne and bared his buttocks at the store assistant on Monday at around 7am.

The Land Rover driver is then said to have led officers on a five mile chase along the A3102.

He had been charged with contravening the coronavirus regulations and failing to stop for officers, but the charges were marked withdrawn by the prosecutor.

Padget, who has no previous convictions, was bailed and his case sent to Swindon Crown Court on May 7 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.