A sex offender who sent pictures exposing himself to a stranger on Snapchat has been spared a jail term.

Jak Masters, 35, was arrested after the shocked woman he randomly targeted managed to discover his identity.

She and her partner took to sleuthing on Facebook after she received two obscene pictures on November 4 last year of a man exposing himself as he posed naked.

Eastern Daily Press: Masters sent explicit pictures and video to a woman via SnapchatMasters sent explicit pictures and video to a woman via Snapchat (Image: PA)

After she replied calling the sender a “weirdo” she had then received a video of him masturbating.

Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told the woman, who had no connection to Masters, contacted police with screenshots and his name and details after piecing together his true identity from online profiles.

READ MORE: Norwich sex offender admits sending stranger pics and video

Masters, of Barclay Road, Norwich, pleaded guilty in January to sending indecent communications.

He has several previous convictions for exposure and indecent behaviour dating back to 2011 and is still subject to sex offender notification requirements. 

In 2012 he was sentenced to a suspended prison sentence for performing sexual acts on himself in front of student and a dog walker on Marriott’s Way.

Eastern Daily Press: Masters previously received a suspended sentence for committing indecent acts on Marriott's WayMasters previously received a suspended sentence for committing indecent acts on Marriott's Way (Image: Newsquest)

Appearing to be sentenced on Friday magistrates were told he was seeking treatment to address his issues. 

They opted against an immediate jail term suspending an 18 week sentence for two years.

“You have said that you want to work with the support agencies and set yourself on the right path - we are taking you at your word,” they said.

READ MORE: What is cyber flashing as first person jailed for crime?

He was also ordered to undertake a mental health treatment requirement, an accredited course to address his behaviour and 10 rehabilitation days. 

He was also ordered to pay £250 compensation to his victim. 

“Cyberflashing” will be illegal.

Those who send photos or films of a person’s genitals for specific purposes, including for their own sexual gratification, could face up to two years in jail.

More about how our proposals will help keep people #SafeOnline https://t.co/hL6UWR2iRm pic.twitter.com/f5fId0JXjf

It comes after a sex offender in Essex became the first person to be convicted of a new offence of cyber-flashing that came into effect from January 31. 

Sefer Mani, of the Crown Prosecution Service in the East of England, said: "Cyber-flashing is a grotesque crime. Everyone should feel safe wherever they are and not be subjected to receiving unwanted sexual images.

"I urge anyone who feels they have been a victim of cyber-flashing to report it to the police and know that they will be taken seriously and have their identities protected."