A MAN sent explicit images of male private parts to a stranger on Facebook, a court heard.

Mark Anthony John Lawson, of Wall Hills Close, Kington, admitted sending communications of an offensive nature and harassment when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Nicola Ritchie, prosecuting, said 28-year-old Lawson first contacted stranger Yasmin Owen via Facebook on August 2 of last year.

Miss Owen initially believed the message had come from someone who had simply got the wrong number, but Lawson continued to message her until she replied.

"The messages were quite provocative, and he started to talk about his penis," Miss Ritchie said.

Lawson was asked to stop messaging her, but again contacted Miss Owen on August 8, sending her two photographs of male genitalia and attempting to call her 25 times.

After his victim ignored all communications from Lawson, he blocked her on social media, leaving her unable to block him.

But on August 18, Miss Owen received another Facebook call from Lawson, and reported him to the police after he sent her an explicit video of a man engaged in a sex act.

Lawson did not contact her again until March 13, when he tried to call her 11 times and sent her another photograph of male genitalia.

In a statement, the victim said she found the images disgusting and upsetting, and that she had been scared for her safety.

In interview, Lawson said he had been drinking and taking various medications following a break-up.

He said he could not remember sending the messages.

Speaking in his own defence, Lawson told the court that he was disgusted with himself and that he had now stopped drinking and taking drugs.

"I was in a bit of a mess for a good six months. I was not taking my medications properly and I did not even remember my own age.

"I am now planning on going to college to make something of myself and to make up for the waste of a decade."

He was handed an 18 month community order, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and must pay Miss Owen £250 in compensation

He was also fined £120, and must pay costs of £185 and an £85 victim surcharge.