A MAN with a record of sex-related offences was told by a court yesterday he needed medical help.

Nick Ralph, prosecuting at Harrogate Magistrates' Court, said a woman in a car outside the post office in Bondgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, saw Kevin Michael Heels committing a sex act as he walked towards her.

He continued while two girls, aged 13 and 14, walked past him and drew their attention to what he was doing.

When interviewed by police Heels, 33, of West End Villas, Crook, County Durham, said he had taken poppers and had no clear recollection of what had happened afterwards.

He pleaded guilty to using insulting behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Mr Ralph said Heels had been in court a week earlier for a similar offence. He also had three convictions for indecent exposure and one for affray.

The court heard Heels had recently been convicted of gross indecency and also had four offences of assault on an ex-girlfriend on his record. He was also on police bail for an indecent assault matter.

Presiding magistrate, John Carter, told Heels the bench had read a probation report on him with some concern.

He made Heels the subject of a 12-month community rehabilitation order, with a condition of medical treatment. He ordered payment of £60 costs.