A MAN caught trying to masturbate in a women s public toilet says he was sexually frustrated . Stephen Hooper, aged 38, was caught in the Carlton Street public toilets in Weston on September 20 trying to pleasure himself.

A MAN caught trying to masturbate in a women's public toilet says he was 'sexually frustrated'.

Stephen Hooper, aged 38, was caught in the Carlton Street public toilets in Weston on September 20 trying to pleasure himself.

Hooper, who lives in Beach Road, appeared before North Somerset magistrates in the courthouse in St Georges on Monday charged with breaching a sexual offences prevention order made in 2004 for two charges of voyeurism and one incident of public indecency. The order stated that Hooper could not enter a women's public toilet or loiter within 5m of one.

Tom Emerson, prosecuting, said: "A police community support officer found the defendant in a cubicle in the toilet. A check on the computer revealed he was breaching the order.

"Mr Hooper was arrested and interviewed and told police officers he admitted entering the toilet and said he was sexually frustrated and intended to masturbate, but because of the medication he was on he was unable to do so.

"He made numerous promises to the police that it would not happen again."

Hooper pleaded guilty to the charge on October 1 but appeared in court this week to hear a report put together by the probation service.

Huw Langley, defending, said: "The report clearly states that Mr Hooper is someone who has special needs.

"He has confusion and difficulties dealing with mixed messages from females.

"Early warning systems are in place and there are people to give him support.

"He tells me at least four times a day how sorry he is and repeats that it will not happen again."

Hooper was sentenced to a three-year community order with a supervision requirement for the full term. He was also given a four-week curfew order and must remain at his home from 7pm until 6am and was ordered to pay costs of £60.