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A "severely autistic" man has been held in custody for seven weeks after allegedly gesticulating at police.

Marcus Potter, who was diagnosed with autism when he was three, has a history of filming police officers, according to father Martin.

The 20-year-old's "obsession" developed around three years ago, and has apparently led to numerous appearances in court on charges of harassment.

On November 16, Mr Potter was en route to a Job Centre appointment when he is reported to have made a rude gesture at the Bethel Street police station in Norwich.

He was arrested at his home in Wymondham, Norfolk, the next day for allegedly breaching bail conditions previously imposed on him.

The police say Mr Potter consistently took part in anti-social behaviour and his actions often posed a threat to both the public and himself.

He has been held in custody in HMP Norwich ever since, with a hearing set to take place on Friday January 19.

He is allowed three visits a month and last saw his family on Christmas Eve.

His father, Martin, 58, told the Standard: "Marcus's autism is so profound, I can't believe the right thing to do is lock him up like this.

"He struggles day to day. He's not particularly independent...He would love to be independent but he just isn't ready yet.

"I don't want to lay all the blame at the door of the police because I know he has been a nuisance.

"But he has not had the support from social services he needs. My understanding is they just don't have the resources they need to give him proper care.

"He has constantly had to endure being mocked and bullied because he is different.

"He hates it in there and he wants to get out."

A petition launched, titled "Free Marcus Potter - Autism is not a criminal offence", has received close to 4,000 signatures.

It reads: "Marcus is an extremely vulnerable young man and his condition means he can be socially naive and fail to understand the implications of his behaviour.

"Marcus has been let down by various professional bodies and has received punishment where he should have received support.

Commenting on the case, a spokesman for the National Police Autism Association said: “It is important that individuals on the autism spectrum are dealt with appropriately according to their needs when coming into contact with the criminal justice system.

“Due to communication issues and difficulty regulating emotion, autistic people are vulnerable regardless of their age or station in life, and should be treated as such.

“Having autism is not an excuse for criminal or anti-social behaviour.

“However the NPAA advocate that there is a need for the outward traits displayed by many autistic people to be recognised by all criminal justice agencies, and for appropriate safeguarding measures to be put in place.”

A spokesman for Norfolk Constabulary told the Standard: “Following numerous interactions by police and support agencies with Mr Potter, a criminal behaviour order was applied for and granted through the court process.

“The criminal behaviour order is a necessary measure in order to ensure Mr Potter does not present a danger to himself or the general public through his actions.

"Mr Potter’s arrest was for a breach of his conditions in his previously granted bail as opposed to a breach of the CBO itself, which does not place any restrictions on areas that Mr Potter is allowed to go.

"The CBO specifically precludes Mr Potter from making approaches to police officers unless in danger or reporting a crime and also not to film police officers or premises.

“It is important to note that Norfolk Police have well established links with partner support agencies and have engaged with them in relation to this particular case to ensure all interventions were and are considered.”