A 55-year-old man has been imprisoned and subjected to a stringent court order, explicitly banning him from all children's playgrounds, after he was filmed performing lewd acts while staring at a play area in South Wales. Andrew Lewis, of Auckland Close in Oakdale, Caerphilly county borough, was convicted following a trial last September on charges of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13 and exposure.
Disturbing Incidents Captured on Video
The court heard that Lewis committed these offences on two separate occasions during the summer of 2025. On June 1, 2025, he was observed standing naked on decking in his garden, which overlooked a nearby playground. Two children, aged 11 and 12, recorded video footage of Lewis masturbating while he looked directly towards the play area near Auckland Close in the Penmaen district of Oakdale.
Judge Carl Harrison, presiding at Newport Crown Court, described the footage as showing Lewis "masturbating while looking towards the play area" from an elevated position with a clear line of sight. More than a month later, on July 23, 2025, two 12-year-olds reported seeing Lewis in his back garden exposing himself and touching himself while looking at them, according to reports from Wales Online.
Sentencing and Court Orders Imposed
Lewis was sentenced to a total of 25 months in prison: 20 months for the sexual activity charge and an additional five months for exposure. He was also ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge. Crucially, the court imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and a notification requirement, both designed to restrict his future behaviour and protect the public.
Under the terms of the SHPO, Lewis is prohibited from remaining in any household where a child under 16 is present and cannot allow anyone under 16 into his home unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. He must wear "normal clothing" while in his garden and is barred from contact with children under 16, except in unavoidable daily situations or with proper consent.
Most notably, the order explicitly forbids Lewis from entering any play parks or play areas, with any breach constituting a violation of the court's directives. This measure aims to prevent any recurrence of the disturbing behaviour that led to his conviction.
Legal and Community Implications
The case highlights the serious legal consequences for individuals who engage in sexual offences involving children, particularly in public spaces like playgrounds. The sentencing reflects the court's determination to uphold public safety and deliver justice for the young victims affected by Lewis's actions.
Local authorities and law enforcement agencies have emphasised the importance of community vigilance and reporting suspicious behaviour to prevent such incidents. The imposition of the SHPO serves as a robust legal tool to monitor and control Lewis's activities for the next decade, ensuring he cannot pose a similar threat to children in the future.
