A FLASHER who twice targeted young children in Stourbridge Library has been jailed for nine months.

Anthony Edwards first flashed in front of two 13-year-old girls who were left shocked by his actions with one vowing never to go back to the library, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

Then just 14 days later the 62-year-old flashed again in front of a mother with three children - leaving them all "scared and distressed".

Judge Michael Challinor told Edwards it was clear the youngsters had been targeted after he went out "seeking sexual gratification".

He said it was very important that children who visited libraries and other public places for educational purposes were protected and he added: "When something like this happens it frightens and discourages them."

The prison term had to act as a deterrent to others, he stressed, as he hoped assistance and support would stop him acting in the same way in the future.

Edwards, now of no fixed address after living in Hagley and Belbroughton, was convicted in his absence on two charges of exposure after he failed to turn up for his trial.

He admitted failing to surrender to police after being bailed and as well as the jail sentence he was barred from entering any library in the West Midlands for the next five years.

Oliver Woolhouse, defending, told the court Edwards accepted it was serious offending because of its impact on the victims.

He said in recent years his life had fallen apart and his personal circumstances had deteriorated.

Mr Woolhouse stressed his client had not been in trouble with the police since committing the offences and he said Edwards was now determined to put his life back on the rails.