I was accused of being a dirty paedo for offering kids Prime at Higher Walton park but I was just being nice

The man, who asked not to be named, was reported to police last week after he was challenged by concerned mums and dads at King George V playing field in Higher Walton.

Lancashire Police officers from Leyland visited his home and he says they advised him to avoid the park in future, though he is not suspected of any offence.

“My side of the story”

He said he wants to share his “side of the story” and explain why he offered Prime drinks to children.

“It’s crazy, it’s all blown out of proportion. I’m not like that and I was surprised at how people reacted,” he told the Post.

“I’ve been visiting the park since last summer. I like it there, it’s somewhere I can go to relax, get some space and clear my head.

“I honestly had no idea what the man was on about when he approached me in the car park and began raving at me and threatening to punch me.

“It all happened so fast, I didn’t really understand everything he was saying to me and I was so shaken I couldn’t think of the words to explain everything in the moment.

“I want the chance to explain my side of the story and what happened off camera, before that video was put on Facebook.”

What happened in the video?

In the video, one dad, confronting the man in his car, says: “Why would a bloke, 30-odd year old, come on a park and offer children Prime? And then tell them ‘come to my car, there’s more in the boot’? You dirty b*stard.”

The man responds: “What’s wrong with that? I don’t believe this. I’ve done nothing wrong. You’re getting over carried away...”

You can read our full report on the footage which captured the confrontation here.

“I was doing a nice thing”

He said: “Basically, I had a good deal on a box of Prime drinks and they were in my car. I was drinking one in the park and you know what kids are like? They get hyped for those drinks.

“I had loads left so I just said to them, if they want one they can have one. I didn’t even think that this would be an issue.

“The next thing I knew, two cars were blocking me in on the car park and this guy comes charging over to me and accusing me, saying he’ll punch me.

“But I didn’t mean it like that. I just had these Prime in the car and thought how kids go crazy for that stuff. I was doing a nice thing.”

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What did the police say?

Lancashire Police were called to the park but he had already left and the force said it did not pursue the matter further. Anyone with concerns about ‘suspicious behaviour’ at the park or in the wider area were asked to call 101.

But after seeing the incident reported by the Lancashire Post, the man said he contacted police to explain the situation. He was later visited by two officers from Leyland who advised him to stay away from the park in Higher Walton and the local area.

“I told them that’s fine, I like it there but I accepted their advice. I don’t want to cause any more problems for myself or those parents.

“I just wanted to give my side of the story. It’s been on my mind and I don’t want people to worry. It’s a big misunderstanding.”