A MAN who exposed himself in front of dog walkers on the Dillington House estate near Ilminster said it was “like watching porn”.

People walking in the picturesque woods were shocked to see Anthony John Wallbridge masturbating in full view.

On one day he was spotted by two separate female walkers, exposed and touching himself and one commented that he did not appear to be startled or surprised when he realised he had been seen.

The following week a woman, who had earlier seen the defendant in the woods, saw him again with his genitals exposed and rubbing himself vigorously.

After describing him to a male friend who knew his identity, the matter was reported to the police and he was arrested.

Wallbridge, 27, of Channells Lane, Horton, pleaded guilty to three counts of intentionally exposing his genitals intending that someone would see them and be causing alarm or distress at Dillington House, Bayhill.

Lucy Coleman, prosecuting, said that all three offences were committed on the same path that was used by children, dog walkers and cyclists.

She told the court: “One of these women said she felt shocked and disturbed by what she had seen and said that he did not appear startled or surprised so she contacted the police.”

Miss Coleman said that when questioned by police Wallbridge said he was merely relieving himself in the wood and meant no harm.

“However he eventually admitted having exposed himself and said he had been caught masturbating in the area," she added.

“He was extremely remorseful and admitted the likelihood of him being caught doing it was high, and said it was like watching porn; it happened around the times he did not see his girlfriend," she added.

“He said he would not be returning to the area and his lesson had been learned.”

In victim impact statements read to the court two of the women said they were now wary of walking in the area and were not letting their children go there to play unaccompanied any more.

One said it had left her feeling “jittery” and another said she was “disgusted” by what she had seen.

Defending solicitor Jeffery Bannister said that it was “a particular set of circumstances” at a time when Wallbridge had had a number of things happen in his life that was going on at the time of the offences.

“He was very stressed and felt he bottled everything up rather than talk to other people about it,” he said.

“He has also consulted his doctor about counselling and feels he would benefit from assistance by the probation service.”

The magistrates adjourned the case to September 4 for a pre sentence report to be prepared and bailed Wallbridge with conditions not to enter Dillington House, not to contact named witnesses and not to enter Blackdown View, in Ilminster.

He was also warned that, subject to the sentence he receives, he may have to sign onto the National Sex Offenders Register on the next occasion.