'Commiting sex act at window ruined my life'

Paul Johns, who exposed himself on three occasions at his former home in Sunnygate, Eston, last year, was spared a prison sentence because he had no previous convictions.

At Teesside Magistrates' Court yesterday, District Judge Roger Elsey imposed a community sentence and supervision for 18 months.

Johns will also be subject to a notification order for two years and was ordered to pay £150 costs.

At a previous hearing, the court heard how Johns, 38, had been seen standing, with some of his clothes off, at a bedroom window on October 14, November 27 and December 1.

Witnesses described how it looked like Johns had stepped onto something for him to be seen at the window.

The second incident was captured on video by witnesses, who said they were shocked by what they had seen.

Yesterday, Alan Rutter, prosecuting, said witnesses had been left feeling sick, angry and constantly thinking about what had happened.

Craig Beer, mitigating, said Johns had been suspended from work while he was waiting to be sentenced, but that he was hoping this would be resolved with his employers.

He said: "It has had a devastating effect on not only him, but the whole family."

Johns, of Ilfracombe Drive, Redcar, was found guilty of three counts of exposing himself, on August 2

At the trial, he admitted he often walked around the house naked, but denied intentionally exposing himself to anyone outside.

He said: "It has ruined my life."

Yesterday, Judge Elsey warned Johns that he was taking everything he had heard into account when reaching his verdict. He said he wanted to give a sentence of punishment and rehabilitation.

He said: "I also bear in mind that, before this, you were a man of previous good character who has always been in work.

"Having no previous convictions has saved you from a prison sentence."

He added: "My main concern now is there are no future convictions or re-offending.

"You must make sure you do everything required.