A WOMAN was shocked by a man exposing his penis on a public path in Lochore.

David Cotton later claimed that the flashing had been accidental.

Cotton, 34, of Lochleven Road, Lochore, appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on December 20 last year at St Ronan’s Crescent, he acted in a culpable or reckless manner by exposing part of his penis, which was seen by a woman.

Depute fiscal Eve McKaig said the woman had left her home at 2pm and was walking on a public footpath when she saw Cotton.

He was standing with his hands down the front of his trousers as she passed by him.

Later, as she returned along the path Cotton was still standing there with his hands down his trousers and part of his penis was exposed as well as pubic hair.

The woman used her phone to record what he was doing.

The Crown had accepted there was “no significant sexual element” in the offence, the depute added.

Defence solicitor Stephen Morrison said his client was “walking on this footpath wearing jogging bottoms and had both hands down the front.”

He went on: “As a consequence they were pulled down along with his underwear, exposing part of his penis but he was not aware of this.

“There was then a row with this woman.”

The court heard Cotton previously lived in England and has an extensive record of convictions committed there.

Sheriff Susan Duff imposed an eight-month restriction of liberty order.