A pervert could face jail after he admitted masturbating in front of a teenage girl on a Sutton bus.

Morden man James Gathercole, a registered carer, pleaded guilty to exposure at Croydon Magistrates' Court this morning and was warned he could face "a serious sentence".

Gathercole, 28, stared at a 17-year-old girl as he masturbated on the 151 bus in broad daylight at around 4pm on August 22. He was caught after the teen managed to catch him performing the degrading act on her camera phone and contacted police and the Sutton Guardian.

Your Local Guardian:

Gathercole as he arrived at court this morning

Gathercole appeared at court today wearing a smart blue striped shirt and cream slacks and only spoke to confirm his name and say "guilty as charged" when presented with the single charge.

It was revealed that this is not the first time he had been convicted for exposure, having been prosecuted for a similar offence in 2005.

The case was adjourned for a report to on Gathercole to be produced by the probation service but District Judge Szagun warned him he could face jail or committal to crown court when he returns on Friday, November 8.

DJ Szagun said: "You may be considered for a community-based sentence, but that's not to holding you any promises. You may be sent to crown court where there are more serious sentences available."