TEEN SNAPS TOILET PERV’S WILLY

A PERVERT pleasured himself in a shopping centre’s toilets – before sliding his penis into a teenage boy’s cubicle.

Thomas Wilson cried in court as he was warned his lewd act could land him in prison.

His solicitor claimed mistakingly thought the 16-year-old, who fled in horror at his antics, had been “inviting” the behaviour.

South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard the grim incident unfolded in the Blue Mall at the Metrocentre in Gateshead.

“(The teenager) became aware of someone in the cubicle next to him,” said prosecutor Lorna Rimell.

“He could see the shadow of the male and it was his impression that the defendant was masturbating due to the shadow on the floor.”

The court heard Wilson then dropped to his knees and “pushed” his penis through the Wilson CRIED IN COURT: Wilson gap into the divide.

The shocked boy took a photograph of the incident as evidence and fled, shouting for both his mum and the police.

In 2015, police cautioned Wilson for what the court heard was a similar matter, although he has no previous convicitions.

But in mitigation, Wilson’s solicitor, Paul Hanratty, said: “The defendant didn’t know the identity of the individual.

“He simply thought there was someone next door who was inviting that sort of behaviour.

“But he accepts he did expose himself behind a locked cubicle door.

Wilson was arrested a week later walking back to the Metrocentre when police recognised him.

Wilson, 24, of Stanley, County Durham, pleaded guilty to one count of exposure relating to the offence last September.

Wilson could be jailed after magistrates ordered an all options probation report ahead of his sentencing.

His solicitor said a prison term could pose serious problems for Wilson, who works full-time and lives with his partner.

“If he was to lose his liberty, he would lose his job,” said Mr Hanratty.