A MAN who was caught performing a sex act in a playground where two young girls were playing has escaped an immediate jail term.

John Gaunt, of Redshank Close, Birchwood, was detained by officers shortly after one of the parents of the unsuspecting eight-year-old girls confronted him about his behaviour on March 26.

The court heard how the 31-year-old denied the accusations at first claiming that he was 'scratching himself'.

Iain Criddle, prosecuting, said: "The defendant has pleaded guilty to an offence of outraging public decency. He originally pleaded not guilty and it was listed for trial on November 29.

"But the defendant then pleaded on a basis. 

"He accepts he was touching his genitals over his clothing and he accepts two eight-year-old girls could have witnessed what he was doing and would been upset by what they saw."

Gaunt's behaviour was uncovered when the father of one of the eight-year-old girls went to check on the youngsters as they were playing in a nearby park at around 3.30pm.

Mr Criddle said: "The defendant was approximately eight metres away from them and looking directly at the two girls.

"He noticed that the defendant was caressing and fondling as if he was trying to get aroused."

The father confronted the defendant, who claimed that he was 'scratching himself'.

The police were called and the defendant was arrested and taken to the police station where he was interviewed.

During his interview he maintained his explanation that he was 'scratching himself'.

The dad was left feeling 'shocked' by what he had witnessed and he was 'upset it was going on in the presence of his daughter and her young friend'.

During the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court today, Friday, judge Alan Conrad, QC, praised the father for acting 'commendably'.

But this is not the first time that Gaunt has been brought before a judge.

In February 2012 he received a community order for exposure.

He was also sent to prison in March 2014 for eight months after being convicted of a second offence of exposure.

The court heard how on both occasions Gaunt exposed himself to children.

Jeremy Rawson, defending, described Gaunt as a 'depressed and lonely individual' who is planning to move away from the area where he currently lives.

He added that Gaunt didn't expose himself in this incident and the girls didn't witness the act.

During sentencing, judge Conrad said it wouldn't 'achieve very much' by sending Gaunt to prison as legal guidelines dictate that he would only be able to serve a short spell behind bars.

He hoped he could be 'directed on a path to change his ways' by completing a rehabilitation programme. 

Judge Conrad sentenced Gaunt to 10 months in prison which was suspended for two years.

He must also complete a 60-day rehabilitation requirement and abide by a six month curfew from 9pm to 6am. 

He added: "You have to understand you have a problem and there are people to help you address it."