A GREENOCK man who committed an offence of gross public indecency after exposing himself in the street has been jailed and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for seven years.

Gary McMaster, 37, dropped his trousers and underwear in front of a cash machine at the town's Grey Place — unaware that he was being filmed by CCTV cameras.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how McMaster thereafter conducted 'outrageous' behaviour for several minutes at the ATM at the Buyrite convenience store late at night.

He denied the charge but was found guilty following a short summary trial, during which the footage of the incident was played.

Defence lawyer Ellen Macdonald told Sheriff Thomas Ward: "The evidence was on CCTV.

"It is a matter entirely for your Lordship."

The sheriff told McMaster: "It seems to me that it was absolutely crystal clear what you were doing.

"You exposed your genitals in front of an ATM machine at Grey Place."

Shamed McMaster, of Carwood Street, stood in the dock with his head bowed and stared at the floor as Sheriff Ward addressed him sternly.

Solicitor Ms Macdonald admitted her client's criminal record, stating: "I don't think there is anything analogous."

Sheriff Ward replied: "No, I would hope not."

Ms Macdonald said: "His relationship with his partner ended shortly after this matter."

The court heard that McMaster is currently serving a prison sentence for a breach of the peace offence.

He carried out his act of indecency in November last year.

Sheriff Ward told him: "This was outrageous behaviour on your part — in full view."

As well as placing McMaster on the Sex Offenders Register for the seven-year period, the sheriff jailed him for six months — with the sentence to begin immediately at the conclusion of his current prison term on November 28.