MARSKE BY-THE-SEA, England, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- A British driving instructor who secreted a carrot in his pants to give female students the idea he was sexually aroused was sentenced to 18 months in jail.

Stephen Cooney, 51, was accused of sexually assaulting three female students during their driving lessons. One woman testified that he grabbed her hand and forced her to touch him before unzipping his fly and revealing the vegetable, The Daily Telegraph reported Friday.

Cooney denied placing the woman's hand on his groin but admitted hiding the vegetable in his pocket.

Cooney, of Marske by-the-Sea, told the court he regretted the carrot incident, which he admitted was "unprofessional."

"I just thought maybe I would play a practical joke, but obviously it was stupid," he said.