A JUDGE has sentenced a west Cumbrian man who has admitted outraging public decency while exposing himself at a Whitehaven garage.

At Carlisle Crown Court, Judge Nicholas Barker said the staff and customers who saw the actions of Benjamin James Connor, 45, at a Pelican garage in the town on August 26 last year would have been revolted.

It involved him exposing himself and wiping his bottom in front of people.

But at the time, said Judge Nicholas Barker, the defendant was clearly suffering from a mental health episode, probably linked to him not taking his medication.

Defence barrister Kim Whittlestone said Connor needed support for his mental health while in the community.

The judge told Connor: "You were suffering from a mental health episode and that may be some explanation but it can't remove the memory of that revolting image from [witnesses's] minds."

The defendant, who also admitted damaging property with "bodily fluids," also accepted that he breached a sexual harm prevention order by possessing devices capable of accessing the internet.

The judge noted that the five months Connor had spent in custody had stabilised his mental health. He imposed an 18-month community order, with 20 rehabilitation activity days and a mental health treatment programme.

The defendant formerly lived at Seven Acres, Parton, Whitehaven. The judge warned that if he breaches his community order or commits any further offences there will be little alternative but to jail him.