A MARRIED pensioner repeatedly exposed himself to two dog walkers while feeling fruity, a court heard.

David Hopkins opened up his trousers in front of the two women he found attractive to "see what would happen".

The 74-year-old from The Gresleys, Ross-on-Wye, last week admitted two counts of exposure when he appeared before Hereford Magistrates.

Lesley Ashton, prosecuting, said Hopkins had previously chatted to the women on several occasions about their dogs and the weather.

One of the victims used to see him three or four times a week walking his dog on the outskirts of Ross near Tudorville.

"About six months ago one victim was walking her dog when Hopkins stopped to chat to her," Ms Ashton told the court last week.

"While talking to him she noticed that his coat was open which she didn't understand why as it was pouring with rain.

"When she looked down she noticed his trousers were open and he was exposing himself. She didn't say anything and was taken aback by the incident so made her way home.

"She walked past him on three further occasions when he had a grey coat on and his trousers were open exposing himself. The victim confirms he never said anything to her of a sexual nature and Hopkins never made any sexual advances on her."

The second victim had also met Hopkins while walking her dog and had previously helped Hopkins to find his dog when it was lost.

Ms Ashton added: "She also confirms seeing the defendant with his trousers open exposing himself. She then saw the defendant moving further down the woods and when he saw other people approaching he covered himself up.

"From then on she kept conversation to a minimum with him but saw Hopkins exposing himself on four or five occasions before reporting it to the police."

Hopkins was interviewed by police and admitted the offences which happened while he was walking along an old railway line.

In interview, he said: "The weather was warm, I was feeling fruity and getting excited.

"I met both women walking their dogs and thought I would just take my clothes off and see what would happen."

He thought it was nice to expose himself and to get some fresh air, added Ms Ashton.

Chris Read, defending, said Hopkins was previously a man of impeccable character.

"These incidents took place before May 24, when Hopkins was admitted to Hereford County Hospital after suffering quite a severe stroke," said Mr Read.

"He has spoken to the doctors about the situation and it could have been the catalyst as he knows his behaviour leading up to May 24, was not normal.

"Clearly something happened for a 74-year-old who has never been in a moment of trouble started to behave in this manner.

"There is no medical evidence but it's rather coincidental. Since his admission to hospital Hopkins has returned to normal and these incidents are something he certainly feels ashamed of and disgusted by."

Magistrates handed Hopkins a conditional discharge for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £135 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.