A man caught performing a sex act in front of a computer at Chelmsford Library this year later admitted he carried it out because he could not "control the urge".
Matthew Rogers, 21, was told by a Chelmsford Crown Court judge today (August 5) he faces a "very bleak future" as a registered sex offender unless he changes his behaviour. He was previously given a community order in 2012 for exposing himself in a forest.
The court heard he was seen masturbating by a teenage girl, who was at the library in College Road to do her college work
He was sentenced to a three-year community order and told to take part in the Thames Valley Sex Offenders' programme after earlier pleading guilty to three counts of outraging public decency in relation to two sex acts in the library, and another in the Bunny Walks footpaths.
"This is unpleasant, unacceptable and frankly disturbing behaviour by anybody and to do it in a public place is to say the least disgraceful
"I'm afraid, although on this occasion I'm going to treat you in a compassionate manner, if you persist in this conduct the likelihood is that you will receive a prison sentence of some significance," said Judge David Turner, handing down the order.
"That you are vulnerable and confused is beyond argument, that you need help with these issues is abundantly clear, that you have not got normal boundaries and the self-discipline to keep yourself under control in this single respect is now well-established
"That something needs to be done to focus your mind on acceptable public behaviour sexually as in my view incontrovertible."
'Expert help'
In the first offence on April 4 this year Rogers, of Wingrove Court, Broomfield, was spotted by the 17-year-old girl in the library on Market Road while she was there to carry out college work.
Prosecutor Nneka Akudolu said the 21-year-old was seen sitting at a computer and, after a while, the teenager realised his penis was above the top of the table and his hands were not visible.
She texted a friend to tell them what was happening before Mr Rogers simply got up and walked away.
However, he was later tracked down with his library log-in details and admitted to officers that he had gone to the library with the intention of masturbating in front of a female that day as he "can't control the urge" which he frequently has, added Ms Akudolu.
The two further offences took place on May 10 in the library, and on May 14 by the river which winds along beside the Bunny Walks.
"A lot of people are quite concerned about you with good reason. You're 21 years old and you find yourself standing not for the first time in the dock of a court room facing allegations of sexual misbehaviour," added Judge Turner.
"I hope that with expert help that you will be of an age to make the necessary personal adjustments. If you don't you face a very bleak future indeed as a registered sex offender."
Under the three-year community order the 21-year-old will be placed under a supervision requirement with probation services, stay in a bail hostel in Basildon until September 2 and abide by a 11pm to 6am curfew, attend appointments with Essex's Early Intervention team for the next 18 months, and participate in the Thames Valley Sex Offenders programme.
