An offender who repeatedly threatened to kill a journalist after he covered his conviction for performing a sex act in public has been reprimanded by the police.

Robert Merrylees shouted the threats at Daniel Jae Webb just 24 hours after he reported on his appearance before Swindon magistrates, where he was sentenced after masturbating in the street while staring at a young woman.

Daniel had been taking some photographs of 57-year-old Merrylees when he shouted audible obscenities and threats to kill at the journalist.

According to Daniel’s Wiltshire 999s website, the threats were made “outside a busy shop in the middle of the afternoon on a bright and sunny day” in Chippenham, with a number of people, including young children, in the immediate vicinity.

 Merrylees was subsequently reported to Wiltshire Police by Daniel and admitted his crime after being brought in for questioning.

The investigating officer decided that because of the man’s “dissimilar previous convictions and full admissions” a police caution “would be appropriate in this case”.

Daniel, pictured, said: “I appreciate that some people dislike journalists, but they must accept that we have an important job to do.

“Threatening to kill somebody in the street for simply doing their job is wholly unacceptable – whatever your opinion of them.

“The entire incident was captured on my body-worn camera and provided clear and indisputable evidence. The man had no real choice but to admit the offence.

“I thank Wiltshire Police for their swift intervention and questioning of the man and for securing a caution.

“I hope this serves as a warning to anybody who thinks about abusing journalists – or any other professionals – while they are carrying out work in the community.”

The day before the threats occurred, Merrylees had appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court having previously pleaded guilty to a charge of outraging public decency.

The court had heard how Merrylees admitted to police that he had become sexually aroused after spotting a woman wearing a short skirt in the street.

Keith Ballinger, prosecuting, said the woman noticed Merrylees holding his penis and “moving his hand in typical motion of someone who was masturbating” while standing in the doorway of a block of flats and wearing only an open dressing gown.

Terry McCarthy, defending, said his client understood his “behaviour was abnormal”. Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order on the defendant.

Daniel has previously been subjected to threats that resulted in criminal action being taken against his abuser.

Last year, Craig Deyager was given a community order after bombarding Daniel with phone calls and threatening text messages after he covered his sentencing for drug driving.