A MOPED-riding teenage flasher who struck five times was spared a jail term after a judge said he needed help.

Shane Michael Whittaker, 18, exposed himself to female dog-wakers and joggers whilst committing a sex act, Burnley magistrates were told.

He later admitted to police he did it because he enjoyed the thrill of possibly getting caught, the court was told..

The defendant, said to accept he had a problem and that he needed help, wiped away tears as a district judge told him it was in everybody's best interests his difficulties be dealt with.

Whittaker, of Talbot Street, Colne, admitted two counts of intentionally exposing himself, on or about June 1 and on July 14. He asked for three offences to be considered.

The defendant was given a two-year community order with supervision. It also included referral to the NSPCC for specialist advice with his problems and for assessment over risk of his behaviour being repeated.

District Judge Peter Ward told Whittaker the offences were serious because of the effects they had on victims.

He said: "Some victims might laugh it off but that's not the case with all victims.

"For some victims it seriously upsets them and that remains with them for a considerable period of time."

The judge said the real thing the court ought to be doing was a punishment that would deal with his problems and prevent him from committing offences in the future.

Carl Gaffney, prosecuting, told the court police inquiries led them to the defendant and at first he denied the offences. After a fiftth complaint he then made full admisions and said he did it because of the thrill of possibly getting caught.

The victims had been upset, but not unduly and no long-term harm had been caused. Whittaker had not used any words or threats.

Glen Smith, defending, said Whittaker knew he had issues. He had not been able to talk to anybody about his urges. If he had, the offences would probably not have taken place.

The defendant accepted and understood he needed help and was more than willing to take it. He had already been to see his GP and had made an appointment at a resource centre.

Mr Smith added Whittaker worked full-time in Skipton and in other respects led an entirely straightforward way of life.