A teenage woman who was filmed pleasuring herself on a bench on Lemon Plaza in Truro told magistrates she had no recollection of the event and it was a "massive source of embarrassment."

The nineteen-year-old, of no fixed address, told officers after her arrest that she did not remember anything about it.

At Truro Magistrates’ Court she pleaded guilty to intentionally exposing herself, intending that someone should see, and causing alarm or distress; and to criminal damage to a window costing £100 to repair.

Alison May, for the CPS, said the teenager was seen lying on the bench, being sexually active. She was clearly heavily intoxicated at the time, and was removed by the police.

After her release she went to her family home where she broke the window.

She had previous convictions for a number of offences, leading to 12 weeks’ imprisonment.

Ms May said she was considered to be a vulnerable person, with a number of difficulties including issues with alcohol.

Solicitor Martin Pearce said the defendant had serious problems with drink and drugs. She had broken a window at the family home, at which she was not welcome, because she believed her dog was inside, and not being cared for, and wanted to retrieve it.

As far as exposing herself in public was concerned, she had absolutely no recollection of what she had done.

“Her actions brought huge public interest”, he went on, “and it is a massive source of embarrassment to her, and for which she has shown a great deal of remorse.”

He said she was now homeless because her mother was not prepared to have her in the home.

The case was adjourned for three weeks for a full probation report.

After failed efforts made by Mr Pearce and several court officers to find her accommodation, defendant was remanded in custody until May 4.

The chairman, Roger Cargeeg, told her the magistrates were concerned for her protection.