Paedophile dressed as Father Christmas has been jailed after offering two young girls cash to expose themselves.

Former Asda Shelf-Stacker Jailed for Sex Offenses

Lawrence Lewis, a 57-year-old man who was known as Father Christmas in Leigh Park, has been sentenced to 22 months in prison and banned from dressing as Santa for 10 years after being found guilty of sex offenses against two young girls.

Lewis, who was described in court as having a "white bushy beard, white curly hair and was well-built," approached the girls, aged eight and 11, in a pub between December 2022 and January 2023.

According to the prosecution, Lewis offered the girls money to expose themselves. He was not dressed as Santa at the time of the offenses.

The court heard how Lewis asked the younger girl to show her backside. The girl told her mother, who initially gave Lewis the benefit of the doubt.

A second girl also reported being approached by Lewis, who offered her £4 to expose herself. He was caught on a second occasion targeting the younger girl again, offering her £3 to expose herself.

In a victim impact statement, the older girl's mother said: "My daughter is now very suspicious of men and seems to be wary around strangers. I'm now worried and careful to where she is all the time and don't let her out to play far from the house."

The younger girl's mother added: "My daughter is now very wary of men and will come running indoors if an older man walks past while playing. I feel guilty for what happened."

Lewis's defense attorney argued that he felt genuine remorse and had no recollection of the crimes. He had been drinking for four hours during one of the occasions and has since shaved his beard, indicating his wish to "step away from any suggestion that he is performing that role."

Sentencing Lewis, Recorder Shamim Qureshi said: "Father Christmas turns out to be a dirty old man." He sentenced Lewis to 10 months for the occasion when he targeted both girls and 12 months consecutive for the second occasion. A sexual harm prevention order bans Lewis from speaking to any girl under 16 and from acting as Santa for 10 years.

Lewis must also sign the sex offenders' register for 10 years and pay a £100 victim surcharge. PC Mike Morgan commented: "We thank the children for their bravery in coming forward to give evidence."