A pervert was caught masturbating next to a woman with a pram at a railway station platform in a market town. Michael Wainwright, 74, from Calderdale, West Yorkshire, was caught pleasuring himself at Hebden Bridge station on February 22.

He was sentenced to eight months in prison and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order at Bradford Crown Court on June 25, according to British Transport Police (BTP). Det Cons David Bentley said: "Wainwright's actions were nothing short of horrific."

It was midday when a member of the public reported to station staff that a man was masturbating on the platform next to the woman and pram.

After failing to spot it on CCTV, the railway station worker went to the platform where he saw for himself what Wainwright was up to.

The station worker called the police and the sicko was arrested and taken into custody.

BTP said in his police interview he admitted his crime and acknowledged it was wrong, but failed to explain why he did it.

Det Cons Bentley said Wainwright later admitted he could have stopped himself from acting in the "vile manner" that he did, but he chose not to.

Mr Bentley said: "There is absolutely no place on the railway for sexual offending and we’re committed to securing justice for victims and ensuring offenders like Wainwright have their day in court."

Wainwright pleaded guilty to exposure at Bradford Magistrates' Court on April 30.

Anyone who witnesses a sexual offence on the railway is urged to report it to BTP immediately by texting 61016.

Mr Bentley said no report is too small or too trivial, and the force will always take action.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.