Ian Stafford – twice mayor of Preesall and Knott End – was jailed for two years earlier this month after admitting breaking into women's homes and stealing underwear.

The 59-year-old rifled through drawers before carrying out disgusting sex acts with the garments.

But friends believe Stafford has been treated harshly by the courts and are calling for him to be freed.
Anita Rowe, 50, who worked as Stafford's ironing lady, launched a petition aimed at sparking an appeal against the sentence.

She says Stafford – an odd job man and gardener – needed medical help not jail.

Ms Rowe, of Sandy Lane, Preesall, added: "I know what he did was wrong, but with all the publicity I feel he's been punished enough.

"It was very harsh to give him a prison sentence in the first place. He clearly needs medical help more than a spell in jail.

"I've got around 300 signatures already. I wondered what sort of response I'd get but generally people have said they thought the sentence was a bit over the top.

"I've knocked on about 50 doors and only had two slammed in my face.

"Everybody who knows Ian knows he wouldn't harm a fly and that he needs to be given help rather than treated like a criminal."

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