A PERVERT performed a sex act whilst wearing a gas mask as he looked into an elderly care home.

In what was branded a “bizarre” case, Michael Smith, aged 42, of Beech Close, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran, was handed a community order for the offence and told he must register as a sex offender for five years.

Prosecutor Nicholas Gedge told Newport Crown Court how the defendant floored PCSO Alice Johnstone after punching her to the jaw as she chased him.

She and a colleague were pursuing Smith after a member of the public called police after she had witnessed him committing the sex act in Cwmbran.

The defendant managed to escape but officers recovered his hooded top and jeans which contained his mobile phone which were used to trace him.

After being arrested, he denied the offences.

Mr Gedge said he told detectives that he had gone for a walk in the area but had decided he wanted to go for a run instead and had discarded his trousers as he had shorts on underneath.

Smith told police he had forgotten that his mobile was still in his jeans.

He was picked out by Ms Johnstone following an identity parade.

Smith, who had never been in trouble with the law before, admitted exposure and common assault, the offences committed at around 9pm on September 25, 2018.

Hashim Salmman, mitigating, said his client had pleaded guilty to the offences and was of previous good character.

The court heard Smith’s pre-sentence report had mentioned that prior to his conviction he had been in work and in a relationship.

The defendant had already served the equivalent of a four-month jail term after being held in custody since November, the court was told.

Judge David Williams sentenced Smith to a three-year community order and he must complete the Horizon sex offender programme.

As well as having to register as a sex offender until 2024, he was also made the subject of a five-year sexual harm prevention order.

Smith also has to pay a victim surcharge of £85.