A man caught exposing himself by a grandfather as he walked through an underpass has landed himself in court.

Iain Foster was exposing his genitals in the area around the subway on Eskdale Place, Newton Aycliffe, earlier this year.

Paul Doney, prosecuting, told Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court that the witness told police that there was a school nearby and the incident had left him feeling upset.

He said: “It caused him distress because he regularly takes his grandson to the nearby park.”

Foster, of Clarence Green, Newton Aycliffe, pleaded guilty to exposure committed on March 11 this year.

Amrit Jandoo, mitigating, said his client was having difficulties at home at the time of the offence but accepts that was not a justification for his behaviour.

He added: “It was a very, very poor decision made by him.”

The court heard from a member of the probation service who said a mental health treatment order would be available to the defendant after he exposed himself in the street.

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District Judge Marie Mallon made the 50-year-old the subject of an 11-month community order.

She said: “Clearly, the most serious part of this offence is that it could have been seen by young people. Thankfully, you were in this circumstance.

“I don’t think it is appropriate in this case that the notification requirements are triggered, so I am imposing an 11-month community order.”

Foster was ordered to take part in a six-month mental health treatment program, attend 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and pay £199 towards court costs.