A 23-year-old flasher from Stevenage who got onto a train, sat opposite three women and touched himself has been jailed.

Ackeron Alleyne, of Shephall View in Stevenage, admitted intentionally exposing himself to the women on April 6 when he appeared before magistrates.

The court heard that at about 2.30pm that day, three women boarded a train from Cambridge to London King’s Cross. Alleyne sat down opposite them and began to touch himself inappropriately, compelling the women to move to another carriage.

The incident was reported immediatelly, but Alleyne left the scene. British Transport Police recognised him from CCTV and he was arrested shortly afterwards.

Chairman of the bench Rosemary Bolton put Alleyne behind bars for 20 weeks for the “protection of the public” – noting his previous convictions, the location of the offence and the number of people present.

In addition to the prison term, Alleyne must now register with the police under the Sexual Offences Act for seven years. He must also pay £115 surcharge by September 5.