Performed sex act as girl, 10, sat in her mum's car.

A masked sex offender performed a sex act near a 10-year-old girl while she sat in her mother's car.

The incident occurred in Dolgellau, Gwynedd, last December, as the girl was waiting in the car while her mother ran into a shop. Gwion Griffiths, 32, who was in his flat across the road, was seen by the girl "waving" at her through the window while performing the act.

Griffiths, who had previously pleaded guilty to exposure, was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison at Caernarfon Magistrates Court today, deemed a danger to the public.

Prosecutor Sion ap Mihangel described how the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had just been picked up from school and was sitting in the front passenger seat when her mother left her for a short time. The girl noticed Griffiths in his flat, wearing a mask and jumper, and observed him performing a sex act through the window.

The girl, visibly distressed, told her mother what she had seen upon her return. The couple then reported the incident to the police.

Griffiths initially denied the offense but later admitted his guilt. The court heard that the girl had been unaware she might have to testify and had tried to forget the incident.

The court also learned that Griffiths had moved to Dolgellau from another town in Gwynedd following a similar offense in March of the previous year. He had received an eight-month suspended sentence for that crime.

Defense attorney Carla Forfar argued that the latest incident was a "chance matter" and that Griffiths had been "playing with his p****" and "overcome his inhibitions". She stated he was isolated and often remained in his flat.

Magistrates Chairman Sarah Foskett imposed the immediate prison sentence, citing the risk Griffiths posed to the public. Griffiths was also placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for seven years and subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years.