Man Sentenced for Indecent Acts Near Children’s Playground in Oakdale, South Wales

Incident Overview: Disturbing Behavior Captured on Video

Andrew Lewis, aged 55, has been sentenced to prison following two separate incidents during the summer of 2025, where he exposed himself and engaged in inappropriate conduct within sight of children in Oakdale, located in Caerphilly county borough, South Wales.

On June 1, 2025, Lewis was recorded by two children, aged 11 and 12, while standing on his garden decking overlooking a nearby playground. The footage showed him masturbating while facing the play area, an act that deeply alarmed the local community.

Legal Proceedings and Court Findings

At Newport Crown Court, Judge Carl Harrison reviewed the evidence, emphasizing that Lewis deliberately positioned himself in an elevated spot with a clear line of sight to the playground near Auckland Close in the Penmaen district. The judge highlighted that Lewis’s actions were intentional and aimed at being observed by children.

Further reports emerged on July 23, 2025, when two 12-year-olds witnessed Lewis exposing himself and touching himself in his backyard while looking directly at them. These accounts reinforced the severity of his conduct.

Conviction and Sentencing Details

Following a trial held in September 2025, Lewis was found guilty of one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13 and one count of exposure. He received a combined prison sentence of 25 months—20 months for the sexual activity charge and 5 months for exposure.

In addition to incarceration, Lewis was ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge. The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a notification requirement, both lasting 10 years, to monitor and restrict his behavior post-release.

Restrictions Imposed Under the Sexual Harm Prevention Order

The SHPO prohibits Lewis from entering any residence where children under 16 are present. He is also barred from allowing minors into his home unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Furthermore, he must remain clothed in “normal attire” while in his garden and is forbidden from contacting children under 16 unless such interactions are consensual or part of routine daily life.

Any attempt by Lewis to enter playgrounds or play areas will be considered a violation of the court order, potentially leading to further legal consequences.

Community Impact and Broader Context

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and swift legal action in protecting children from exposure to indecent behavior. According to recent UK Home Office statistics, reports of indecent exposure near children’s play areas have seen a slight increase, highlighting the need for continued community awareness and robust protective measures.

Similar cases across the UK have led to enhanced monitoring and community education programs aimed at safeguarding young people in public spaces.