A trainee Mormon priest who flashed at two women and compared his behaviour with models on the adult TV channel Babestation has been jailed for 16 weeks.

Royston Thompson, 25, of Melland Street, Darlington, County Durham, had become confused by pornography, Teesside Crown Court heard as he was sentenced for two offences of exposure.

He was arrested in August after leaving a note in the door of a woman's car who had parked near his home. As she got in her vehicle she saw Thompson standing in his front doorway, committing a sex act so she could see.

She read the note later and it invited her to text him so that he could give her a "full body rub and make love to her", the court heard.

At a trial at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court in January, Thompson said his behaviour was merely "flirting" like the women on Babestation which features glamour models writhing proactively while they urge callers to ring in.

He told the court on that occasion: "I have learnt my lesson but it was nothing more than harmless flirting, like the women on Babestation do every night."

He was convicted of exposure and magistrates adjourned the case to allow for reports.

Days later during a medical examination he exposed himself to a female health professional. He first complained he had a back problem then insisted the medic check for a lump on his testicles.

During the consultation he again committed a sex act and as he buttoned up his trousers, he smiled and asked: "How was that for you?"

He was arrested shortly after and admitted the offence.

Ian West, prosecuting, said when he was first arrested Thompson told police he was training to be a priest with the Mormon Church.

The defendant had a string of convictions, though none were for sexual offences, dating back to when he was just 10, Mr West said.

Martin Towers, defending, said: "He is sorry. He had been watching too much pornography and he, in his words, became confused.

"He asked me to say on his behalf that nothing like this will ever happen again."

Judge Howard Crowson, sentencing, said Thompson planned both offences.

With regard to the victim outside Thompson's home, the judge said: "That's the sort of thing that's going to live with her, to make her anxious."

He added: "I hope very much that what is said on your behalf is true, that you have learned your lesson."

From the dock Thompson replied: "I won't come back again."