A SOLDIER who dropped his trousers and “flashed ” at a passing ambulance was praised by magistrates this week, after they heard about his exemplary service in Afghanistan.

Gary Behagg was involved in numerous engagements with the Taliban during a three month tour of duty, and is still suffering from back injuries incurred when he was blown up by a device while on patrol.

“We should thank you for what you are doing for our country, your work in Afghanistan has been truly remarkable,” said presiding magistrate Susan Morris at Wisbech courthouse.

A captain from the Royal Anglian Regiment spoke out in support of Private Behagg, before he was sentenced. The officer said Behagg was “a quiet and conscientious individual” who was reliable and trustworthy.

Announcing that Behagg would be fined for offences of exposure and threatening behaviour, Mrs Morris said the glowing character reference from the army had “considerably affected” his sentence.

A tougher sentence could have led to Behagg being discharged from the army, and being placed on the Sex offenders’ Register.

Behagg, 25, of Newlands Road, Chatteris, was fined a total of �420 with �85 costs and a �15 surcharge.

Last month magistrates had watched CCTV footage of Behagg standing in Chatteris High Street with his trousers around his knees in the early horus, with his arms in the air as an ambulance went past. He mooned at two cars, and urinated in the street.

When arrested he was verbally aggressive, and punched the window of a police vehicle. After being handcuffed, Behagg had threatened to bite officers’ noses. He was sprayed with incapacitant and later apologised for his behaviour.

Speaking for himself in court, Behagg said: “I am embarrassed and ashamed of what I have done.”

His captain also said: “This incident was considerably out of character; he is clearly upset by what happened. We feel it was a prank played on him that went wrong.”