A PENSIONER exposed himself and then tried to grope a boy, a court heard.

Joseph Walker, who previously blew kisses at the 13-year-old, was waiting outside his home when the boy approached, on January 12.

Durham Crown Court heard that Walker called him over and offered him a can of lager, but the boy refused and said he would take it home for his father.

Robin Patton, prosecuting, said Walker began asking him questions, before exposing himself in front of the boy.

The boy said he had to go, but Walker tried to grasp his crotch area, saying: "Give us a feel."

Mr Patton said the boy fended Walker off and went home to tell his mother.

Walker was arrested and denied the allegations.

Mr Patton said it had affected the normally happy boy, who "found the whole incident excruciatingly embarrassing".

He said: "It must be stressed he did nothing to encourage this episode. His behaviour both at school and home has suffered.

"It has become known in his locality and he has been teased by classmates."

Mr Patton said Walker had two convictions for gross indecency, both involving a boy aged about 16, from the 1970s, and two for threatening behaviour, involving him performing a sex act in public, from 1981.

Bryan Mark, in mitigation, said his client was ashamed and accepted his behaviour was inappropriate.

Mr Mark said Walker was not thought to pose a serious threat and was in extreme ill-health, having had a triple heart bypass and suffering angina.

Walker, 68, of Fir Terrace, Esh Winning, County Durham, admitted exposure and common assault.

He was given a two-year community rehabilitation order, during which he must undergo a sex offenders' programme.

He must also sign on the sex offenders' register for five years.