Shane Whittaker, who has a record for flashing while riding his bike, appeared before Pennine magistrates after recently twice committing sex acts in front of frightened victims in Colne.

The defendant, who lost his job after his latest exploits, admitted two charges of outraging public decency and one allegation of committing a further offence while subject to a conditional discharge.

Whittaker (19), of Talbot Street, Colne, was given a three-year community order, with supervision and the three-year Sex Offenders' Programme.

The Bench chairman sai: "We think you need help," and added if Whittaker flouted the order he would go to custody.

Mrs Alex Mann (prosecuting) said a 24-year-old woman walking in Colne centre at 7 a.m. saw the defendant pulling his jeans up. He seemed nervous, walked past her and then crossed the road, walking in the same direction and looking back at her.

Whittaker then went past her, kept looking back again and went into an archway where the woman noticed he was committing a sex act.

Mrs Mann said 90 minutes later, a 46-year-old woman was walking her dog in Alkincoats Park when she saw a boy in the bushes with his hands down his pants. He followed her and was arrested.

The prosecutor said, in 2006, the defendant was given a community order for two exposure charges with three offences to be considered. Last October, he received a two-year conditional discharge for two years after admitting two counts of exposure in Skipton.

Mrs Mann continued: "The concern of the police is his continuing behaviour, despite him being seen by the probation service. That was, hopefully, going to assist him to stop committing further offences but it's not stopped him. The defendant picks out, waits for and follows women on their own, in a vulnerable position."

Mr Glen Smith (defending) said it was accepted the offences crossed the custody threshold. Whittaker had lost his employment after the reports of his case in the press.

Mr Smith added: "There are a number of unresolved issues, which have caused him to continue to offend."