A HALF-NAKED man used a mirror to spy on two schoolgirls undressing in the changing rooms of Burnley's new leisure centre, a court was told.

George Henry Burrows, 23, kept tilting the mirror to see under the cubicle next door to his in the mixed sex changing area at St Peter's leisure centre, the town's magistrates were told.

His two victims, both aged 12, were left scared by Burrows's actions. And one of their mothers who was with them pointed Burrows out to staff.

Burrows had earlier admitted two counts of "voyeurism", observing another person doing a private act, which carries a jail term of up to six months.

But magistrates did not impose a custodial sentence as a previous bench had told him to expect a community sentence.

Burrows, of Waterbarn Street, Burnley, was given a 12 months community order with supervision and was told to pay £100 compensation to each girl, as well as £50 costs. He was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for five years.

Burnley Council, who runs the leisure centre, condemned Burrows' actions but said that communal changing rooms were common practice' in the leisure industry and would remain.

Sue Campbell, prosecuting, told the court the mother took her two daughters, aged 12 and 14, and a friend, to the leisure centre.

The two 12-year-olds shared a cubicle together after they returned from swimming.

Mrs Campbell said when the mother emerged, she saw her daughter still in her bikini.

She asked her what was wrong and she said: "That man over there had a mirror under the door and was staring at us."

The mother saw the defendant with just a towel around his waist and he appeared to be sexually aroused.

The management went into the changing rooms, the defendant was pointed out and the incident was reported to the police.

John Nuttall, defending, said Burrows, who had no similar previous conviction, went innocently to the baths with his nephew and had had no intention of committing an offence.

The defendant had been using his girlfriend's bag, found the mirror in it and took the opportunity to look under the cubicle next door. He was aware there were females in it but he did not know who they were or their ages.

Mr Nuttall said: "The defendant can't attempt to explain or excuse his behaviour. He is extemely embarrassed and ashamed of himself and is deeply regretful for his actions. He wishes to apologise not only to the court, but to the victims.

Mick Cartledge, Burnley Council's director of community services, said: "We deplore the unacceptable actions of this man. Security and privacy in the changing rooms are top priorities and staff are always vigilant.

"In this case they acted quickly and detained the man until the police arrived.

"Communal changing areas are common practice in the leisure industry across the country, including neighbouring areas such as Pendle and Blackburn."

Gerard Vinton, head of leisure and recreation, added: "Staff at the centre have been trained with how to deal with incidents like this and it is positive that the man involved has been convicted."

Roger Frost, the executive member for leisure and culture, said:"The council will not tolerate this kind of behaviour."