A MAN who terrorised a town by exposing himself in front of schoolgirls while wearing his ex-wife's underwear was jailed for four years at the Old Bailey in London yesterday.

Former North-East coal-miner Michael Croney, 34, exposed himself or committed lewd acts in front of 17 youngsters as he drove around Guildford, Surrey.

Croney, originally from Consett, County Durham, would park in his Ford Escort and terrify his victims by mouthing obscenities while dressed in a variety of outfits.

Girls as young as ten fell prey to the sight of well-built Croney performing sex acts while showing off clothing such as stockings and suspender belts.

He was caught after one victim wrote down the registration number of his vehicle as he fled the scene.

He told officers he was lonely after splitting up with his wife and wore the clothing to relive the sex sessions they had enjoyed.

Croney, of Chilworth, Guildford, admitted five counts of indecency with a child and five counts of using insulting words and behaviour between February and March.

His barrister, lsabelle Gillard, said: "He really is clearly a man who needs help."

Croney was jailed for four years by Mr Recorder Walter Aylen QC, who told him: "The court must protect little girls and teenagers from disgusting, distressing and vile behaviour of the sort you conducted."

Anthony Haycroft, prosecuting, said Croney's depraved activities had plagued Guildford.

The court heard that Croney had been convicted in May 1986 for an almost identical offence but he escaped with a £80 fine.

Mrs Gillard, for Croney, said he had moved south looking for a job but was largely unsuccessful.