A 51-year-old sex pest who went on a “campaign of hooded terror” in Paget was yesterday jailed for two years.

Massage therapist Charly Sternath of Southampton pleaded guilty to ten charges, including sexual assault, willingly doing an unlawful act and exposing himself in public.

He was also sentenced to nine months for two breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony charges, and six months for intruding - all to run concurrently.

Sternath was also sentenced to two years probation for four other prowling charges to begin after his prison term.

The incidents occurred between October 2000 and June 2004, and involved three different women, the court heard.

Crown counsel Wayne Caines dubbed Sternath the “Hooded Paget Pleasurist” and said he went on a “campaign of hooded terror” in that parish.

He said Sternath broke into a 79-year-old woman's home - naked with only a hood on his head - and masturbated in front of her until he ejaculated on her.

Mr. Caines said the woman was traumatised by the assault.

“This defendant systematically terrorised Paget residents,” said Mr. Caines.

And he pointed out that nowhere on the social inquiry report did it suggest that Sternath had any mental problems or felt remorse for what he had done.

Mr. Caines told the court that Sternath's most serious offence (sexual assault) has a maximum prison term of five years.

Lawyer Mark Pettingill, who represented Sternath, said it was bizarre to find a 51-year-old individual who is of good character, a family man, has a good work record and no previous convictions, get into this type of trouble.

“Mr. Sternath is deeply sorry for his actions,” said Mr. Pettingill.

He added that a mitigating factor was that Sternath was extremely drunk at the time of the offences.

Mr. Pettingill said: “Alcohol can prompt a certain psychosis in the best of us.”

He added his client was prepared to have assistance and that Probation Services have the right people to help him.

He also asked that Sternath's five months already spent in prison be taken into consideration.

Magistrate Will Francis said to Sternath: “I do hope the seriousness of this has gotten through to you.”

And he pointed out that the sexual assault on the elderly woman was a serious one.