A man from Ripon has pleaded not guilty to six alleged sex offences, some involving children.

Robert Haynes, 78, of Mallorie Park Drive, is charged with three counts of exposure and three counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child aged 13 to 15.

The case was heard at Harrogate Magistrate's Court yesterday (November 5).

The exposure incidents are said to have all occurred in Ripon on February 7, February 27 and April 16 this year.

The three charges of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child are also said to have occurred in Ripon on April 16 this year.

It is alleged Haynes followed children, aged 14, into a park before exposing himself and masturbating.

His defence denies that he masturbated, and said he has a medical issue that means he needs to urinate frequently, which he was doing on these occasions.

The case was adjourned to York Crown Court on November 30.

Haynes was released on bail, on condition that he doesn’t make contact with children, doesn’t enter a public or private recreational space and doesn’t make contact with a named witness.