A couple who performed sex acts on each other on a packed train have been sentenced in court.

British Transport Police launched a hunt to find the couple after their heavy petting session on a train between London Liverpool Street and Clacton-on-Sea on June 7.

Gavin Maguire, 40, of Chigwell and Allison Jennings 39, of Chelmsford handed themselves into police on June 29.

Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard during the 30-minute journey the couple were seen openly performing sex acts on each other before they got off at Chelmsford.

Maguire admitted one charge of outraging public decency and was told to complete 100 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.

He must also pay a £180 fine and £80 court costs.

At an earlier hearing, insurance worker Jennings admitted the same charge and was given a 12-month conditional discharge.

Jennings told police she had been on a 'first date' and was very drunk, adding that she was ‘mortified’ by her behaviour.

In their appeal British Transport Police said families had been forced to move away from the pair as they were being so blatant in what they were up to.