A DUNFERMLINE man who was caught secretly photographing the legs of a woman sitting opposite him has appeared back in court after offending again.

Stephen Smith was put on the sex offenders’ register previously and had restrictions put on his internet use which he has now breached for the third time.

The court was told Smith has an “obsession” with pornography and spends much of his time looking at it on his phone.

Back in 2019, Smith took a photo on his mobile phone of the female, who was unaware of his actions on a train from Edinburgh to Fife.

However, a male passenger behind Smith was watching his actions and filmed him on his own phone.

The passenger’s attention had first been drawn to Smith by him watching pornography on his phone in full view of others.

Smith, 42, of Meldrum Court, later admitted the offences after being pointed out to police on a station platform by the witness.

Smith admitted that on January 17, on a train journey between Dalmeny and Inverkeithing, he displayed obscene material, namely photographs or moving images of naked females, male private parts and other sexual images on his mobile phone whereby this could be seen in public.

He also admitted he secretly took photographs of a female’s legs and committed a breach of the peace.

He was put on a community payback order with two years’ supervision and 135 hours of unpaid work. Smith was also put on the sex offenders’ register for two years and had restrictions put on his internet use.

After breaching the order for the third time, Smith appeared from custody.

The breach was admitted and defence solicitor Brian Black said: “He’s been upfront and candid. He says he’s struggling with an obsession and he’s not able to stop.

“He says only a full ban on his internet use would stop him.”

Sheriff Richard McFarlane asked Smith: “Am I right in thinking much of your day is taken up by using your mobile phone?”

“Yes,” said Smith.

“Do you have much of a social life?” asked the sheriff.

“No,” replied Smith. He said his offending had resulted in him losing membership to a bowling club he used to attend.

The sheriff noted that Smith had now been on supervision for two-and-a-half years. He added: “He’s got an unhealthy interest and that’s not changing.”

He told Smith: “It’s you who has to change. You don’t seem to have the willpower.”

The sheriff called for reports and allowed bail. Smith will be sentenced on January 12.