Ian Russell, who flashed at a woman, drunk up to 20 pints a day

Because of the extent of his drinking, five foot three Russell has no memory of his two sex offences - flashing at a middle aged woman or molesting a young girl, Gloucester crown court was told.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC said he was prepared to accept that in view of the amount Russell admits drinking - 16 to 20 pints a day.

Russell, of St Bartholomew's, Newent, pleaded guilty to touching a girl, aged under 13, sexually between 1st January and February 8, this year.

He also admitted exposing himself to a woman walking along Wye Road, Brockworth, nr Gloucester, on February 7.

Prosecutor David Maunder said the offence against the girl consisted of touching her over her clothing.

The victim of the indecent exposure offence, who had known Russell for many years, was walking along Wye road with a friend when Russell walked towards and past them, Mr Maunder said. He then exposed himself to her.

She found his behaviour 'disgusting' and was upset by it.

"The lady says she has known him for a long time and has become used to this type of behaviour from him as well as other forms of what may be called casual sexual advances," said Mr Maunder.

Judge Tabor then queried what he had read in a report about Russell's drinking.

"He was at one stage drinking 26 pints of cider a day," said the judge. "For a man of his diminutive size that is a lot."

Defence solicitor Gareth James said it was not quite that much - Russell accepted 16 to 20 pints a day.

"That's still two and a half gallons a day for a man who is, what, five feet three inches tall," said the judge.

"He has a drink problem."

Mr James agreed "He has. He accepts that fully and he needs to address his drinking problem. Both offences were committed when he was in drink. He claims to have no recollection of either and that is perhaps not surprising in view of the amount of alcohol he drinks."

Judge Tabor "I think he needs a rehabilitation activity requirement because he's got nothing to do all day except pour all his benefit payments down his throat - which he seems to do very successfully.

"He is also depressed, apparently. I think he needs to be taught a way to make more of his life."

The judge told Russell he had been wasting his life drinking and 'doing nothing else of any value at all.'

He said he would give him an opportunity to avoid jail for the offences but if he flouted the court's order he would be brought back to court and imprisoned.

The judge passed a community order with a requirement for Russell to undergo a six months alcohol treatment programme and fifteen days of rehabilitation activity,.

He ordered Russell to pay his woman victim £200 compensation as well as costs of £180 and a court surcharge.

That would stop him spending quite so much on alcohol, he said.

Russell was ordered to sign the sex offender register for the next five years.