Drunk Haslingden man engaged in sexual activity in front of children (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Drunk Haslingden man engaged in sexual activity in front of children

2:55pm Sunday 15th July 2012 in Rossendale

A DRUNKEN man who admitted engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child was spared jail so he can have treatment in the community.

Burnley Crown Court heard how John Robert Warburton, now 51, who has a record for exposure, carried out the offence while two youngsters were in his Haslingden home.

The hearing was told Warburton, who was on a community order for exposing himself at the time, had struck after downing a bottle of vodka following six months abstinence. He had no recollection of what he had done.

The defendant, formerly of Piccadilly Street, was given a three year community order with supervision and a sex offender treatment programme.

Judge Simon Newell prohibited him from contacting or associating with any child under 16 without adult supervision. Warburton was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for five years.

Michael Wallbank, prosecuting, said at 3.30pm, on February 25, five children, aged between six and 13, were walking along Piccadilly Street. They saw the defendant at his front door.

He was naked from the waist down. He said to the youngsters either "Come here," or "Come inside. I have got some money."

Two children went inside.

Mr Wallbank said police were informed and officers went to Warburton's home. They found the front door ajar, got no response and when they entered, they discovered the defendant on the floor in the front bedroom, still naked from the waist down. He was told to get dressed and was arrested.

Sentencing, Judge Newell said there was a "very realistic possibility or even probability " that proper intervention by the probation service might help the defendant.

The judge told Warburton: "I make the order to protect the public in the long term, rather than just have you off the streets for a few months. It’s your last chance.”