A WOMAN and her 13-year-old daughter walking on the Camel Trail near Wadebridge were shocked to see a man with his trousers down and genitals exposed, a court was told.

David Curle, 67, had been trying to cool down and had not intended anyone to see him, said his solicitor, Emma Doble.

When he appeared at Bodmin court on December 16, Curle, of Valley View Park, Dunmere, Bodmin, admitted behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. A charge of indecent exposure was withdrawn.

Jennifer Moore, for the prosecution, said that the woman and child were walking their dog near a wooded area of the trail on the evening of September 2 when they saw Curle leaning against a post, apparently out of breath.

They continued for about 100 metres and the daughter then turned round and saw the man with his trousers down. The mother was greatly disturbed and worried about her daughter as a result of the incident.

Curle, who has no previous convictions, told police he might have been urinating and then said that he walked around partially naked as he liked the sensation.

Ms Doble, for the defence, said that Curle had not been on the main part of the trail. The court proceedings had had a "significant impact" on him and he apologised.

District Judge Paul Farmer, passing sentence, said it was significant that Curle had never been before a court before. He imposed a six-month conditional discharge and told Curle to pay £85 costs.