In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Andrew Lewis, then 55, of Blackwood, Caerphilly, was sentenced to 25 months in prison. On Tuesday, 10 February 2026, Lewis appeared at Newport Crown Court for sentencing after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of children under 13.
The investigation established that during the summer of 2025, Lewis stood naked on the decking of his garden in Blackwood and masturbated while watching children playing in a nearby park. The prosecution reported that his “reprehensible” behaviour was observed by those in the public area, leading to his arrest by Gwent Police. Following a trial, he was convicted of both exposure and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of minors.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Lewis’s actions were a “vile” and calculated violation of public safety and the innocence of children. Judge Carl Harrison noted that the defendant’s choice to target a location where children were playing made the offence particularly “serious.” The prosecution emphasised that the impact on the community in Blackwood was significant, with parents left “terrified” by the proximity of such predatory conduct to a local park.
The judge noted that the 25-month custodial sentence was necessary to address the “reprehensible” nature of the exposure and the risk Lewis posed to the public. The prosecution emphasised that his behaviour showed a “serious” and deviant interest in children that required long-term judicial oversight. For his crimes in Blackwood and Newport, the court determined that he must be subject to strict monitoring and digital restrictions upon his release.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Wales, Andrew Lewis was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: 25 months in immediate custody.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated for 10 years.
- SHPO: Made the subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
- Financial Penalty: Ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge upon release.
- Convictions: Found guilty of exposure and sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Lewis is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Gwent Police and the Probation Service. Due to the “serious” and public nature of his sexual offending, his management in Blackwood, Caerphilly, is subject to oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
As a registered sex offender, Lewis must comply with the mandatory notification requirements regarding his residence in Blackwood. Authorities state that his 10-year SHPO is a “serious” tool intended to restrict his access to areas where children frequent and monitor his future behaviour. Any breach of his registration conditions, his SHPO, or his licence terms upon release will result in his immediate arrest and return to Newport Crown Court.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.