A MAN has been placed on the sex offenders' register for five years for taking pictures of a woman in a pub toilet.

Alex Grainger, of Oakmoor Close, Darlington, followed the woman to the toilet in a pub in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, on May 5.

Darlington Magistrates' Court heard yesterday that the 28-year-old placed a camera under the cubicle door and took pictures of her.

The distressed woman followed him out of the pub, and made a note of his registration number as he drove off.

Barry Smith, prosecuting, said: "He was arrested at his home and the police also seized his video camera, digital camera and laptop computer."

Grainger, who is a house-husband and father, has no previous convictions.

Although he offered no explanation, he did plead guilty and said he is remorseful.

Grainger has been made the subject of a community order, which will include supervision and last for two years.

As well as being placed on the register for five years, he will be barred for five years from loitering around women's toilets, entering a toilet or changing room where women are present and from looking at a woman if they are in a state of undress.

His camcorder, camera and laptop will be returned and he will pay £34 in court costs.