A 21-year-old was caught masturbating just metres from a fitness class at a private Wandsworth health club, South Western Magistrates’ Court has heard.

Ahmed Bilal was in the steam room of Cannons Health Club in Kimber Road on July 8, close to where a class was being taken in the swimming pool area.

The court was told he was seen masturbating with his shorts pulled down to his knees.

When staff approached to stop him, he sat down and covered himself up and was later arrested by police.

Bilal, an MOT inspector who lives in Windlesham Grove, Wimbledon, pleaded guilty on Friday to the charge of exposure.

His defence lawyer said Bilal, who had recently got engaged and was of previous good character, was “deeply ashamed and deeply embarrassed” about the incident.

Chair of the magistrates Ms Page said: “Because of the lack of aggravating factors, your guilty plea and previous good character, today we are going to deal with this matter by way of a fine.”

Bilal was ordered to pay a fine of £370 for the offence, along with £70 in costs and £15 victim surcharge.