A MAN who pleaded guilty to masturbating in his driveway, and was spotted by a passer-by, has been given a suspended jail term.

Terrence Myles, 54, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrate's Court in Newport on November 26 where he pleaded guilty to one count of outraging public decency.

The court heard that a woman walked past Myles' home on Cavendish Place, Newport, she noticed he had exposed himself.

Prosecutor Ann Smout said: "This matter was brought to the attention of police when a woman came into Newport Police Station and reported that her friend had witnessed Myles exposing himself.

"The victim as she walked past and waved hello to Mr Myles did a double take and noticed that he was masturbating while stood in his driveway.

"As she walked she turned towards the home of a friend to tell her what she had seen.

"In her victim personal statement she said she feels sick whenever she thinks about the incident, and feels sickened knowing he lives nearby."

It was detailed to the court how Myles has previously been placed on the Sex Offenders' Register after having been previously convicted for incidents of outraging public decency.

Myles' defence, Liz Miller, said: "He's been on the Island for five years now, since he moved here from London.

"At the time of the offence, things had been going wrong in his home life.

"This has also had an impact on his wife, with people coming up to her and saying things to her about Mr Myles.

"He is really very sorry and he knows that at his time of life he's really got to start turning things around."

Magistrates gave Myles a four month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, and was given a restraining order to prevent him from contacting the woman who witnessed the incident.

He was also sentenced to a 24 month community order, and ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a surcharge of £122.