A “dangerous sex offender” has been jailed for two-and-a-half years after touching himself sexually on a bus in front of a 14-year-old girl.

The Royal Court heard that Kevin Andrew Lochhead – described as a “dangerous sex offender” by the police – had multiple previous convictions for indecent exposure.

The 58-year-old denied the most recent charge, of causing a child to watch a sexual act, but was found guilty following a trial by Jurats in the Royal Court in January.

During the trial, the girl – giving evidence behind a screen – said she was sitting on the top deck of the bus with a friend when a man came and sat just behind them, passing a number of other empty seats.

After the friend got off, the teenager said she saw the man masturbating.

She reported the incident to her mother who contacted the police.

When interviewed, Lochhead claimed that the girl had simply seen him rubbing his finger as his work as a gardener had caused an irritation to it.

In the Royal Court this week, Lochhead was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison.

He was remanded in custody on 4 February and has already spent 49 days on remand.

When Lochhead was convicted in January, Acting Police Sergeant Rosanne Mews said: “Lochhead is a dangerous sex offender who has repeatedly shown that he will continue to offend to satisfy his sexual desires towards young people.

“Throughout this trial, the young people involved have demonstrated the utmost courage.

“Their bravery shows that young people in Jersey will not tolerate indecent behaviour.”

She added: “The States of Jersey Police will always listen to and investigate allegations of this nature.

“We take allegations of exposure very seriously and will robustly seek prosecution.

“We will support you throughout the process, alongside our partner agencies.”

Commissioner Sir William Bailhache was presiding, with Jurats Austin-Vautier and Opfermann sitting.