A MAN who was caught masturbating on a train at Reading Station was arrested after a passenger noticed him watching porn.

David Valentine, of Westerleigh Road, South Gloucestershire, was on a train from London to Swansea when he was caught outraging public decency.

The 32-year-old had tried to hide the porn on his phone behind a book but the passenger was still able to see it.

They also noticed Valentine had his hand down his trousers and was masturbating.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know as Judge refuses Forbury Gardens terrorists' appeal

The passenger, who said they felt ‘extremely uncomfortable’, reported the man’s activity to police using a discreet text service.

Officers boarded the train when it stopped at Reading and Valentine was asked to leave the service so they could question him.

As they boarded the train they noticed a number of the passengers on the carriage were children.

The passenger who reported Valentine made themselves known and gave police more information.

Valentine was arrested on the platform for outraging public decency.

British Transport Police BTP Detective Constable Lauren Pace said: “Unwanted sexual behaviour, such as this incident, is unacceptable and will absolutely not be tolerated on the railway.

READ MORE: Video shows moment travellers left Kings Meadow and the mess they left behind

“I’d like to commend the bravery of the victim for reporting the incident, enabling us to take action and apprehend Valentine for his behaviour.

“Tackling sexual harassment is an absolute priority for us, and we take every report seriously.

“We want everyone to know they can text us discreetly on 61016, whether something is happening to you at the time or has happened to your recently. No incident is too small or trivial. We will always take you seriously.”

Maxwell Valentine, of Westerleigh Road, Pucklechurch, South Gloucestershire, was given a community order and a sexual harm prevention order on Friday, September 24 after being caught masturbating on Friday, August 27.

The judge at East Berkshire Magistrates Court ordered Valentine to take part in a sex offender treatment program for 35 days.

READ MORE: Man threatens to stab boy in Reading playpark

The five-year-long sexual harm prevention order means Valentine is prohibited from engaging in a sexual act on a railway, viewing or displaying a pornographic image in any public place or exposing his genitals.

As part of his sentence, Valentine can only enter a Main Line, London Underground or Docklands Light Railway Station for the purpose of travelling.

He can only travel on the train if he leaves immediately after reaching his destination, bar connecting to another train.

Valentine was ordered to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £95 and to pay court costs of £85 by November 24.