Blackburn magistrates heard Lawrence Balshaw reversed at speed when his car was approached by police, causing traffic to swerve into hedges.

When Balshaw was eventually stopped he was wearing the leotard and combat trousers. The wig, glasses and boots were found in a bin.

Balshaw, of Lyndale Close, Wilpshire, admitted dangerous driving and possessing an offensive weapon – a pickaxe handle – in the car park of Eaves Hall Country House Hotel, West Bradford.

He was remanded on bail for the preparation of reports with conditions he does not go within 50m of educational establishments or playgrounds or have unsupervised contact with anyone aged under 18.

Miss Catherine Allan (prosecuting) said on July 21st at 8-45 a.m. police received reports of a man wearing women's clothes and driving a blue Peugeot winking and making sexual gestures at children travelling to Bowland High School, Grindleton.

A police officer saw Balshaw wearing a blonde wig and sunglasses but, as he approached, Balshaw reversed down Sawley Road at speed. As the officer gave chase, Balshaw drove through Grindleton at speed and entered West Bradford at 45mph.

He told police the pickaxe handle was to protect himself in case he was accosted because of his appearance. He had been following the school bus wearing female clothes to get attention and a doctor had told him his behaviour was a form of escapism.

Mr Andrew Church-Taylor (defending) said Balshaw had no previous convictions. "It is evident there are deep underlying problems here," said Mr Church-Taylor.
"The dressing in women's clothing is an attempt at escapism. He says it is a person other than himself who wanted attention. There was nothing sexual in it, it was just that schoolchildren were more likely to pay attention to him."