A man has been put on the sex offenders register for five years after he touched himself in front of a woman.

Christopher O'Neil, 34, of Coates Lane, Whitehaven, admitted indecent exposure.

The case was heard at West Cumbria Courthouse on Friday.

Magistrates imposed a 16-week curfew order from 7pm until 7am each day. He must also complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity.

The court heard that O'Neil, who lives in assisted living accommodation due to mental health difficulties, had been doing some housework with a female member of staff in the house.

It was she who saw him commit the act.

"O'Neil was looking straight at her [staff member]," said Jane Hansel, prosecuting.

The court heard that the woman told O'Neil: "If you need to do that, go into your own room", and she then went into the staff office.

He accepted that his actions were inappropriate, said Mrs Hansel.

In court, O'Neil told magistrates: "It was wrong and it won't happen again."