A MAN has been jailed after he was caught pleasuring himself inside the changing room of a leisure centre. 

Michael Reid was arrested after he was seen masturbating by a woman at Padiham Leisure Centre on December 2 2019.

Preston Crown Court heard how a 10-year-old girl was stood close by as he carried out the act.

A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said: “A woman using the changing rooms witnessed him masturbating outside the family changing room whilst a 10-year-old girl was stood close by.

“She challenged him before alerting staff who in turn contacted the police.”

Reid, of the Sands, Whalley, was jailed for nine months and given a sexual harm prevention order.

He must also sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

Brett Gerrity of the CPS said: “Michael Reid committed an extremely disturbing sexual offence in the communal changing rooms when numerous children were present, and one girl in close proximity to him.

“Throughout the case he denied performing the act saying his towel had slipped and he was simply trying to cover his nakedness. But after considering the overwhelming evidence we presented to them, including a compelling eye witness account describing how the incident had upset and disgusted her, the jury found him guilty.

“I would like to commend this witness for her quick thinking response to what she saw that day which has enabled us to bring him to account for his sordid actions.”