A MAN who went for a lunch time jog on the canal tow path came across a man engaging in another kind of activity.

Blackburn magistrates heard Martin Phillip Goodsmark had his trousers round his ankles and the jogger was shocked by what he saw.

Goodsmark, 46, of Watersedge, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to indecent exposure.

MORE TOP STORIES:

He was made subject to a community order for 18 months with a 40-day rehabilitation activity requirement, fined £120 with £85 victim surcharge and £60 costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the jogger had been concerned it could have been women or children who came across Goodsmark. He was put on the sex offender register for five years.

“A week later he was again on the tow path and saw the defendant, not on this occasion doing anything wrong, and he was able to contact the police,” said Mr Robinson.

Simon Farnsworth, prosecuting, said his client had mental health difficulties and would not normally go out on his own.

“Unfortunately his carer was taken into hospital and it was necessary for him to take the dog out,” said Mr Farnsworth.

“His behaviour wasn’t directed towards anybody it was just a random act.”

Mr Farnsworth said there was no history of similar behaviour.