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Terminally-Ill Dad Who Mooned Speed Camera Says He Inspired New 'Bansky'

Terminally-Ill Dad Who Mooned Speed Camera Says He Inspired New 'Bansky'

Darrell Meekcom says he was contacted by the artist's representatives

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

A terminally-ill dad who mooned a speed camera has reportedly inspired a new piece of art by Banksy.

Darrell Meekcom, from Kidderminster, was wrestled to the ground by police after he showed his rear to a speed camera, ticking the stunt off his bucket list.

Police turned up at his house and demanded to be let in. When the 55-year-old, who has Parkinson's disease, as well as heart and kidney conditions, refused, they raided his home and cuffed him.

The incident was filmed by Darrell's wife and quickly went viral.

And he says he was contacted by a representative of the artist last week and told him that he was interested in doing a mural of him.

Today (14 November), Darrell was told that a picture of Bart Simpson mooning police officers had been painted on an underpass near the Waterside Pub.

SWNS

Speaking about the bizarre tale, the dad-of two said: "I had a message from an account last week, saying they were representing an anonymous international street artist.

"We discussed what happened with the police and they said they wanted to do a piece on it.

"I was shocked and didn't think it was real. I thought nothing of it.

"Then I got another message on Wednesday asking if I was still interested - I said yes.

"Then to my amazement, I got another anonymous message today to say the piece had been done and I was supplied with a postcode.

"We had some photos taken and sent them across to them. It is amazing."

The contact told Darrell that the police were painted in black to represent the 'disproportionate use of force' and the 'dark and oppressive nature of the police', while Bart was depicted as being 'cheeky, comical and playful'.

SWNS

Darrell added: "The Bart Simpson is me. It is awesome. It is a fun story. Many people will be able to see this now - it is really cleverly done.

"When I got there this morning, you could smell it was all fresh paint."

He was diagnosed with multiple system atrophy (MSA) last month, which is a a terminal condition that affects the nervous system.

After being released from custody following his arrest, his vision was blurred and he suffered two seizures.

He was rushed to Kidderminster Hospital but was referred to Worcestershire Royal Hospital because of fears he suffered a bleed to the brain.

SWNS

Darrell, who used to lecture at Birmingham City University, said he was disgusted by his treatment.

"I feel like I have been abused. It was outrageous bullying," he said.

"I was simply gobsmacked that I got arrested for mooning a speed camera.

"It is something I had always wanted to do because I'd been caught by them a couple of times for silly speeds like 35mph in a 30 zone and it always bugged me."

Adding: "When I was given the diagnosis last month my wife suggested drawing up a bucket list and that was one of the items on there that I've now crossed off at some price."

He has since reported the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Speaking previously about the Darrell's arrest, Local Area Commander, Superintendent Mark Colquhoun, said: "We appreciate the footage and commentary circulating around the incident has caused some concern.

"The incident was reviewed at the time and, after consideration of the full facts and circumstances, including reviewing officers' body worn video, I am satisfied that appropriate action was taken by officers."
Featured Image Credit: SWNS

Topics: Police, UK News, Art, Hospital, crime, Health, Banksy