A CONVICTED sex offender accused of persistently loitering outside a primary school while youngsters played in the playground has appeared in court.
Peter Lancaster, aged 42, faced a jury at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday on charges of breaching a sex offenders' order, allegedly acting lewdly outside Elsworth Primary School, Sandbach.
He denies the charges.
Prosecutor Simon Parry said: "Lancaster was seen outside when there were young children playing in the playground.
"He had his hand down his tracksuit bottoms."
The alleged incident happened between January 1 and February 16.
The court heard Lancaster, originally from Padgate, had been living at Linden Bank bail hostel. He is accused of lurking outside the school on several occasions
According to his sex offenders' order, which expires in 2008, the Warrington man is forbidden from loitering near schools, shops or businesses.
The defendant, who sported a black eye and swollen face after he was attacked in prison on Monday night, was due to give evidence as the Warrington Guardian went to press.
The trial continues.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article