OUTRAGED neighbours say they feel let down by the sentence handed to a convicted flasher who made their lives miserable.

Michael Last, 76, admitted exposing himself to neighbours and intending to cause alarm or distress at Chelmsford Crown Court.

The pensioner, of Poplar Way, Kirby Cross, was at his home when he was spotted by horrified neighbours on August 15.

He was later charged by police.

On Monday judge David Turner QC gave Last a 36-month community order and a 60-day rehabilitation order.

He was also put on the sex offenders register and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,200 and court costs of £180, as well as a £60 victim surcharge.

Last had already been placed on a sex offenders treatment programme.

But neighbours are disappointed at the sentence.

A spokesman for the residents said: “I feel that he has got away with it. Everybody feels very disappointed at the sentence.

“I don’t think the courts have taken into consideration the people living in the vicinity and the effect his actions have had on us.

“It’s not so bad for the men, but five women live within 100 yards of his home and have been affected. It’s not right.

“People shouldn’t be living in fear in their own neighbourhood, afraid to look out of the window in case they see something like this.

“The court and the police have a duty of care to us."

Last was banned from staying within Tendring while he was on bail ahead of the court case.

Residents hoped the judge would prevent him from coming back to Kirby Cross, but no restrictions were enforced.

The neighbourhood spokesman added: “We have been advised to contact our MP who might be able to contact the probation service over this case.

“We just have to wait and see if he comes back and what happens from here.

“People are worried because of what has happened before.”