A Sidmouth solicitor has been found not guilty of exposing himself with the intention of causing alarm or distress.

Alec Holdich, 57, of Lymebourne Avenue, was cleared of the charge, following a trial at Exeter Magistrates’ Court last Friday.

The court heard how a witness told police that she felt ‘angry and exploited’ after spotting the defendant allegedly looking at her from at window his home on June 29.

Holdich denied the allegation, said he was only nude as he got ready to go out, and that he had not been near the window.

Magistrates decided the defendant did not intend to be seen or cause alarm or distress. They found him not guilty.

Defending, Stephen Nunn said that the complainant could not have seen if Holdich was looking at her due to the distance she was from his property.

He said the incident happened too quickly for her to be sure what was happening.

Mr Nunn added that Holdich, a man of good character with no previous convictions, could have been struck off as a solicitor if he were found guilty.