A MAN who exposed his genitals to two women near Salisbury Cathedral has been banned from the Close — except when he attends a monthly writing club.

Andrew Poulton, 59, approached the women in the grounds of the cathedral on April 9.

Prosecuting, Vyvyan Thatcher said: "He knelt down, took his shorts down, revealing his bare backside leaning forward on all fours.

"They could clearly see his penis."

Mr Thatcher said Poutlon, of Rogers Close, Quidhampton, had shouted and sworn at random passers by and made obscene, sexual remarks.

At the time Poulton admitted being intoxicated, but not drunk, and denied making inappropriate comments.

But he later admitted indecent exposure and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour.

Poulton was also charged with harassing a woman who works for the Stars Appeal at Salisbury District Hospital.

In March 2014 while the victim was promoting the Walk for Wards fundraising event, hospital staff noticed promotional posters and leaflets were going missing from around the site.

When CCTV footage showed Poulton was responsible, the hospital's head of security spoke to him but he said he was distributing the material to local houses.

Mr Thatcher said Poulton had hand delivered two "rambling" letters to the woman, which caused her concern.

He then emailed her to say he was taking part in Walk for Wards and wanted to meet up. On the day of the event he approached her and brushed his body up against her.

Poulton also sent a "very strange" letter to Lord Pembroke, asking him to arrange a meeting between Poulton and the victim, indicating he had been watching her.

On April 10 he was given a harassment information notice, warning him what would happen if he continued.

But the next day at a fundraising event in Salisbury city centre, Poulton stood close to the victim and "blew her a long, lingering kiss" from a distance of half a metre, Salisbury Magistrate's Court heard.

For the exposure and public order offences, Poulton must complete a 12-month community order with requirements for rehabilitation, mental health treatment and alcohol treatment.

He was banned from the Close, except on the third Wednesday of every month between 7.30pm and 9pm, when he plans to attend a writers' club.

And he was given a sexual harm prevention order, banning him from following or loitering around women.

Poulton was also issued with a restraining order for two years in relation to the woman he harassed, and must not visit Salisbury District Hospital except in emergencies or for appointments.