A pervert from Norbury who claimed he was itching eczema on his crotch after being caught touching himself near women on the Tube has been spared jail.

Kulbir Kalsi was arrested by an off-duty British Transport Police officer at London Bridge after watching the 33-year-old inappropriately touching himself while travelling back and forth on the Northern Line.

Kalsi, of Southbrook Road, admitted the offence at the time of the arrest but when later interviewed said the touching was due to eczema.

Jurors at his Blackfriars Crown Court trial did not believe his excuse and after being found guilty of outraging public decency he was sentenced last Thursday.

He was given a 10 month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and a 10 year sexual harm prevention order.

His sentence has an 18 month supervision requirement and he must also pay a £500 fine.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector John Justice said: “Thanks to the quick-thinking of one of my officers, Kalsi’s was arrested and removed from the transport network.

“We will not tolerate inappropriate sexual behaviour of any kind and will do all we can to bring offenders to justice.

“We ask all rail passengers to report incidents to us so we can fully investigate.”