Man on sex register for trying to have sex with a postbox found dead

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A man has been found dead weeks after he was made to sign Britain's sex offenders register for trying to have sex with a postbox.

The body of Paul Bennett was found behind a Chinese restaurant in his home town of Wigan, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of Sunday.

Police said the 45-year-old's death was not being treated as suspicious. A source suggested the cause may have been drugs-related, but it has not yet been confirmed officially.

Mr Bennett was discovered dead behind the Chinese restaurant Shanghai Palace, in the Poolstock area of Wigan, and police were called.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "We were called at 1.35am on Sunday, February 22, following reports the body of a 45-year-old man was found in Poolstock.

"His death is non-suspicious so the coroner is now dealing with it."

Mr Bennett was convicted of indecent exposure last month after he was caught beside a red postbox outside Wigan's Scholes Precinct shopping centre.

A woman spotted Bennett performing a sex act and rubbing himself up and down the metal pillar box while shouting "wow" in September.

The witness contacted the police as Bennett pulled up his pants and checked his reflection before leaving, Wigan Magistrates' Court heard.

Magistrates were told the incident occurred after Bennett was involved in a drunken row with a woman.

He was found guilty of two charges of indecent exposure, as well as using threatening and abusive words and abusive behaviour.

Bennett was handed a 12-month community order with an alcohol treatment and supervision requirement, and was made to sign the sex offenders register.

He was also ordered to pay £50 compensation ($102.70) to the victim who witnessed the incident, £150 court costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

- Daily Mail