A 34-year-old businessman who visited a sports massage therapist exposed his genitals and masturbated after she had finished treating his groin.

Blackburn magistrates heard Latif Malik had given a false name when he made an appointment for treatment to a strain he claimed to have got while out running.

Malik, 34, Garswood Road, Bolton, pleaded guilty to indecent exposure. He was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison supended for 24 months with a 25 day rehabilitation activity requirement. He was put on the sex offender register for seven years and ordered to pay £250 compensation, £85 costs and £115 victim surcharge.

Passing sentence the chairman of the magistrates said Malik's behaviour represented a breach of trust.

"She expected to carry out a professional service," said the chairman. "The victim was very distressed and informed her mother straight away because she didn't know what else to do."

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said the victim was a self-employed woman who was qualified in treating sports injuries as well as relaxing massage and the use of hot stones who was trying to build up her fledgling business. On the day of the incident she took a telephone booking from a man who said he had a groin strain and he turned up for his appointment at 1pm. He was given a form to complete on which he put a false name.

"She told him to take of his jogging bottoms but then noticed he had also removed his underwear," said Miss Akhtar. "He was covered with a towel as she massaged his upper leg and he asked her to move further up towards his genitals."

After his half hour was up Malik asked for more time and requested that she massage his backside.

"When she had finished he removed his towel and exposed himself," said Miss Akhtar. "He was masturbating. The victim said she was shocked and didn't know which way to look. She had not been in business long and didn't know what to do."

Malik ejaculated on the towel, paid her £20 and asked if he could make another appointment.

Chelsea Thomas, defending, said the sports therapist had been recommended to her client.

"Clearly there was some misunderstanding as to what the massage entailed," said Miss Thomas. "He removed his clothing and was not told to put anything back on. He says his genitals were touched during the massage and he misunderstood the signals."