A disabled flasher who exposed himself to a shop worker helping him to dress has been spared jail.

Ross Gelsthorpe was placed on the sex offenders' register after revealing himself to a staff member at the Ashford Designer Outlet Outlet in December last year.

Folkestone Magistrates’ Court was told that 51-year-old Gelsthorpe, of Littlestone Road in New Romney, engaged the worker in a changing room with the curtain slightly ajar.

Prosecutor Neil Sweeney said Gelsthorpe, who walks on crutches, told the attendant - who was helping him due to his disability - that she was "pretty" and had "nice eyes".

He continued: “Gelsthorpe called for the victim to look at him, and said 'this is what you do to me’.”

In a witness statement the victim said they are still in shock and “keep reliving it again, again and again”.

The statement went on to say: “I no longer feel comfortable around our customers. Nobody should ever have to go through this.”

After the incident, which took place in December, the worker alerted bosses who saw Gelsthorpe leaving the car park via CCTV. The police were then called and he was arrested.

Defence solicitor Keith Betts said: “No physical harm was caused in this case, the victim followed Mr Gelsthorpe to the changing room and there is no suggestion of him touching himself.”

With his mother watching from the public gallery, Gelsthorpe remained emotionless on sentencing before pleading his innocence.

He had denied the charge but was previously found guilty of the offence and appeared at court for sentencing on Wednesday, August 30.

District Judge Justin Barron told Gelsthorpe: “I understand you do have mental health difficulties. Nevertheless the court has found you guilty of this offence.

“You will spend two years under the supervision of the probation services and rehabilitation for 40 days. You are prohibited from contacting the victim and attending the Designer Outlet.”

Gelsthorpe, who is on benefits, will remain on the sex offenders' register for a total of five years. He was ordered to pay a £620 fine and victim surcharge of £400.