Man placed on sex offenders' register after answering door naked

3:07pm Thursday 22nd November 2007

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A MAN who answered his door naked after becoming "sick and tired" of Hallowe'en trick or treaters has been placed on the sex offenders' register for two years.

William James Andrews was also given a conditional discharged for two years after pleading guilty to exposure at Burnley Magistrates.

The court had previously heard that Andrews had opened the front door to his house on Bowness Road, Padiham, to two girls aged 14 and 10 after taking off his clothes.

The girls, who were wearing Hallowe'en costumes, told him they were trick or treaters and he went inside to get them cash.

But they went home and told their parents who contacted police.

Sue Campbell, prosecuting, had previously told the court the two girls went to the defendant's house on October 15, knocked on the door and he opened it naked.

Mrs Campbell said Andrews told police he was trying to scare the children away because youngsters were calling at his house too often.

Geoff Ireland, defending, said the girls were of tender years and wouldn't have been impressed by Andrews' conduct.

He said Andrews had been "constantly harassed" by children in the area and he was perhaps seen as some kind of target.

Andrews' mother died fairly recently and he felt somewhat vulnerable, according to Mr Ireland.

He continued: "He was sick and tired of it and went to the door and exposed himself.

"He accepts that would clearly have disturbed the children."

The solicitor said the incident had not deterred local children as they were still calling and asking him for money.

Andrews was sentenced after a previous hearing was adjourned for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

At that hearing the chair of bench has said that Andrews' behaviour had been intentional and could have caused the girls significant harm.

Andrews was also ordered to pay £60 costs.