NEW legislation has been used against a North Yorkshire man who admits to regularly performing sex acts in public places including picnic areas.

Fresh powers were handed to police on March 8 this year, which allow them to take out Sexual Risk Orders (SRO) against people who have not been convicted of a crime, but who they believe pose a risk of sexual harm.

On Monday, North Yorkshire Police successfully secured an SRO against Andrew Bunce, from Ronaldshay Drive, Richmond, after he admitted carrying out sex acts in rural outdoor areas, including fields and a car park and picnic area.

At the application hearing at Northallerton Magistrates yesterday, the court heard how the 51-year-old first came to the attention of police over allegations of historic sexual abuse involving males under the age of 16. It was alleged he would appear naked and perform sex acts in front of them and make them watch pornographic movies.

He was arrested, but the investigation was dropped when police were unable to take it any further.

During the inquiry, detectives had found sexually explicit images and footage on Mr Bunce’s phone, showing him virtually naked, performing sex acts in outdoor, rural areas. Police thought this posed enough of a risk to the public to take out an SRO against him.

Emma Richards, representing North Yorkshire Police, said officers were particularly concerned at the nature of the public places he had chosen, as they were ones where families were likely to visit.

She said: “North Yorkshire Police were left with the prospect that they had to do something to safeguard the public from Mr Bunce. He admits he regularly visits and gets a thrill or sexual gratification in public places.”

Mr Bunce, who was representing himself in court, said “a lot” of the allegations against him of historic sexual abuse were “quite incorrect”.

He said his wife now accompanies him to work and on his bike rides so he is never alone.

“I appreciate the fact that it’s very wrong,” he said.

“I’m certainly making the best effort I can to not be at work on my own or out on my own. I don’t feel I’m a risk to the public.”

Ms Richards said they could not ban him from all rural locations, but the order would mean police would be alerted if he was in the local area.

Magistrates granted the application for the Sexual Risk Order, which will last until May 11, 2017.

The order bans him from unsupervised contact with males under the age of 16, from using a vehicle without informing the police of his registration number and preventing him from using a device that can record pictures or video.